2005 MINI Cooper Convertible Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2005 MINI Cooper Convertible has a complaint index of 100, the highest of any year in the lineup, and ranks worst (1 of 8) with a verdict of Avoid. Steering problems dominate, making up 78% of its 96 complaints, with a median failure mileage of 74,500 miles.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 8 Cooper Convertible years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 96
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 3
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 5
- Injuries
- 3
- Top issue
- Steering
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 26
- 23.5 city / 31 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 3 / 0
Top 2005 MINI Cooper Convertible problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Steering75 (78%)
- Airbags7 (7%)
- Electrical System7 (7%)
- Structure & Body6 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain6 (6%)
- Engine3 (3%)
- Other2 (2%)
- Brakes1 (1%)
- Fuel System1 (1%)
- Seat Belts1 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Power steering suddenly fails at low speed, causing loss of control and collisions.
- Power steering pump or module overheats and catches fire, sometimes while the car is parked and off.
- Electrical fires start under the hood with a burning smell, tied to alternator and power steering wiring.
- Instrument panel gauges drop to zero and engine RPMs fluctuate erratically before power steering cuts out.
- Airbags deploy incompletely in a crash, with sparks causing burn injuries.
- Convertible top opens unevenly on one side due to a cable issue, requiring full unit replacement.
2005 MINI Cooper Convertible recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 15V205000Apr 6, 2015Airbags91,800 vehicles
Air bags:frontal
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2006 MINI Cooper and Cooper S vehicles manufactured January 5, 2005, to November 28, 2006, and 2005-2008 MINI Cooper Convertible and Cooper S Convertible vehicles manufactured January 5, 2005, to July 31, 2008. Due to manufacturing, installation, and exposure issues, the front passenger seat occupant detection mat may not function properly and, as a result, the front passenger air bag may not deploy in a crash.
Risk: An improperly functioning mat may cause the passenger frontal air bag to be inactive when the seat is occupied, and in the event of a crash, the air bag will not deploy, increasing the passenger's risk of injury.
Remedy: MINI will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seat occupant detection mat, free of charge. The recall began on October 12, 2015. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
2005 MINI Cooper Convertible fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 23.5 MPG
- Highway
- 31 MPG
- Combined
- 26 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,075
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2005 compared with other Cooper Convertible years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2005 MINI Cooper Convertible reliable?
- Compared to other years of the MINI Cooper Convertible, the 2005 model ranks worst, with a complaint index of 100 and 96 complaints, most involving steering failures.
- What is the main problem with the 2005 MINI Cooper Convertible?
- Steering is the top problem area, accounting for 78% of complaints, with owners reporting sudden power steering loss and, in some cases, related fires at a median mileage of 74,500.
- Does the 2005 MINI Cooper Convertible have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists one recall, campaign 15V205000, covering the front passenger seat occupant detection mat for the airbag system.
- Which MINI Cooper Convertible year should I avoid instead of 2005?
- Besides 2005, the 2009 model year also carries an Avoid verdict with a complaint index of 86, while 2007 and 2008 rate Good with much lower indexes of 29 and 43.