2004 MINI Cooper S: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2004 MINI Cooper S: 2 recalls, 247 owner complaints and up to 25 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Tires Vehicle recall #04V348000 · 2004 · 1,193 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, the flat tire monitoring system has not been correctly programmed. In the event of a flat tire, an audible signal will not sound to alert the driver to a flat tire.
Why it matters: Due to the lack of an audible signal, the driver May not be aware of a flat tire, which could increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the vehicle's software in order to actuate the flat tire monitoring system's audible signal. The recall began October 13, 2004. Owners should contact MINI customer relations at 1-866-275-6464.
Steering Vehicle recall #15V660000 · 2015 · 86,018 vehicles
What's wrong: The affected vehicles May experience temporary or permanent loss of the electro-hydraulic steering assistance.
Why it matters: If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Mini will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the electro-hydraulic power steering system, replacing the components and wiring, as necessary, free of charge. Interim notices were mailed to owners on December 10, 2015. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 5 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Steering (210): the most common themes are steering problems (207).
- Electrical (19): the most common themes are electrical failure (8), stalls / loses power (7).
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (12): the most common themes are electrical failure (2).
- Airbags (8): the most common themes are warning light on (6).
The 2004 MINI Cooper S has 247 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 22 Cooper S model years for complaints (3.0× the average Cooper S year). Complaints peaked in 2011 (78 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 74,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2003 (217 complaints, 2 recalls), 2005 (314 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 31 | 25 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2004 MINI Cooper S.
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FAQ
Does the 2004 MINI Cooper S have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2004 MINI Cooper S. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2004 MINI Cooper S problems?
Owners have filed 247 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are steering (210), electrical (19), visibility (wipers, glass) (12).
What gas mileage does the 2004 MINI Cooper S get?
EPA ratings run up to 25 mpg combined (1.6 L, Manual 6-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2004 MINI Cooper S repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.