The contact owns a 2008 MINICooper. While driving approximately 30 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to South bay MINI18900 hawthorne blvd, torrance, ca 90504) where it was diagnosed that the power steering pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. The failure mileage was 89,072. The VIN was not available.

- Redondo Beach, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2008 MINICooper S. while driving various speeds, specifically when attempting to turn the vehicle, the power steering suddenly failed and caused steering control to become difficult. The contact stated that the power steering pump would overheat, which caused the contact to park the vehicle until it cooled in order for the power steering to function correctly. The contact called MINIof kennesaw (2275 barrett lakes blvd, kennesaw, ga 30144; 678-496-9565) who advised the contact to bring the vehicle in for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under the extended warranty or a recall. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.

- Mcdonough, GA, USA

Moving my MINIinto the garage a fire caught under the hood and the steering went out, after inspection it was found to be the power steering pump. Insurance will not cover the cost as it is a mechanical failure. I have read about the previous models being recalled for this same problem as well as class action law suits. I believe my MINImay have had the same problem and that BMW should be paying for these repairs.

- Williamsburg, VA, USA

Power steering failed and was unable to steer car. Power steering fluid was full. Inspected at garage and mechanic said there was no clear reason as to why the steering had failed. Did get some steering ability back but am worried it will happen again. Vehicle had been stationary for a couple of days and steering was gone when turned car on for first time.

- Austin, TX, USA

8;30 am three car intersection accident. Traffic light controlled 4 way intersection, auto traveling South bound ran red light and collided with two cars traveling East bound through intersection at approx 35 mph.. 1st car impacted Toyota mini van drivers side. Force of accident so severe that it forced mini van into my auto. The mini van impacted my MINIprimarily into my drivers side door. All three vehicles had to be towed from scene of accident. My MINICoopers drivers side door demolished. Force of impact so great the it bent the frame underneath the drivers door 3-4 inches according to the repair facility it was towed to. Vip auto body. The window that was approx 1/3 open shattered the window. I sustained injuries to neck, back, shoulder and right side of head which hit the door panel upon impact. I have done extensive research since this accident and there are several air bags and side door impact bag curtains in the MINICooper and none of them deployed. There is an actual sensor in the middle of each door to activate the air bags, obviously the one in the drivers side door was not working. This car supposedly has a 5 star crash rating according to MINIusa and my original window sticker. I contacted MINIusa the day after the accident, and they instructed me not to have any repairs done until one of there tech's came out to inspect the MINIand do a diagnostic check of the air bag system. I did so. The tech came out 5 days later, and a week after that the results came in and MINIusa said everything was working properly as far as the air bags. Liars. Anyone with any common sense can see that the air bags should have deployed with the force of this impact. They just don't want to take any responsibility for this accident. My MINICooper was deemed a total loss. Any investigation into this accident would be very appreciated maybe even saving a life in the future....updated 04/23/15

- Northridge, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2008 MINICooper. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph the steering wheel suddenly locked. The vehicle was shut off, and upon restart the failure continued. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.

- Huntington Beach, CA, USA

MINICooper power steering problems (2007 and 2008 models) - I noticed the reports on power steering. I have leased 2 minis and found that this was a problem when trying to parallel park in New York city. When trying to fit into a small space--which requires lots of twists, turns of the steering wheel repeatedly until car is squeezed in--the power steering on both years of both cars that I had--and the 2007 I test drove at the dealer--all popped out. It seems that repeated turning makes the power steering turn off. If you wait a few seconds once it starts getting harder to turn, then it will loosen up again. I only had this problem when trying to park--so not a dangerous situation, just annoying.

- New York, NY, USA