2005 MINICooper. Consumer writes in regards to catastrophic electric power steering pump failure. The consumer stated while driving in heavy, rapidly moving traffic, the electric steering failed. An inspection revealed the electric power steering motor had stopped, quite likely due to the failure of the auxiliary fan. The consumer was quoted a price of $ 1100 for the parts alone.

- Santa Monica, CA, USA

While driving through a residential area, the wheel of the car became very hard to turn. It was determined that the electric hydraulic power steering pump (ehps) was malfunctioning. The fan of the ehps was not disengaging when the car ignition was turned off, therefore running down the battery and causing the ehps to not work correctly. The next day, with the same ehps, the power steering was working fine.

- Sugar Land, TX, USA

The contact owns a 2005 MINICooper S. while driving 30 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to move when the contact noticed a burning odor. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where he was informed that the electric power steering component had melted and needed to be repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that there was a concurrent investigation for the failure however, there were no recalls. The manufacturer offered no further assistance. No repairs were performed. The current and the failure mileages were 63,260. Updated 12/20/11 the consumer was informed the power steering unit had suffered a complete melt down which spread to the power steering hose and wiring harness. Updated 01/20/12

- Salinas, CA, USA

Power steering stopped working near the end of a 15 mile drive to work. Power steering functioned normally on the drive home 9 hours later.

- Columbia, MD, USA

Without warning, in March 2011, my power steering failed. Service determined the cooling fan for the electrohydraulic steering pump motor in my 2005 MINICooper needed to be replaced--intake manifold and fan with protecting grille. No mention was made that a further failure, of the pump itself, could occur. In June 2011, the electrohydraulic steering pump motor failed whilst I was driving on the highway. Service revealed the failure was due to an internal short circuit and said pump was replaced.

- New Market, MD, USA

The contact owns a 2005 MINIcooper. The contact stated that shortly after powering off the ignition, he noticed smoke coming from the steering pump. The fire department arrived and cut the battery line. The dealer did not offer any assistance. The manufacturer was aware of the failure. The contact replaced the steering pump. The current mileage was 40,746 and the approximate failure mileage was 40,540. Updated 9/13/11 the consumer repalcd the pump, fluid and other small parts. Updated 01/23/12

- San Carlos, CA, USA

Unexpected and permanent power steering failure.

- Portland, OR, USA

Power steering pump failure on 2005 MINIcooper leads to dangerous driving

- Nevada City, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2005 MINICooper. While parked outside of a retirement center, the contact was informed that his vehicle was on fire. The fire department extinguished the fire and unplugged the battery because it appeared to be an electrical fire. The vehicle is currently parked at the contact's residence. Through research, the contact discovered that the failure was due to the electrical power assist on his rack and pinion. The manufacturer was aware of the failure, but there were no recalls available. The contact believes that the failure was due to a manufacturer defect and a recall should be issued. There were no injuries. The current and failure mileages were 85,000.

- Klamath Falls, OR, USA