Is the 2004 Mini Cooper S a bad year?
247 owner complaints to NHTSA. Engine and transmission complaints are in line with other Cooper S years.
Keep it
Engine and transmission complaints for the 2004 Mini Cooper S are in line with other Cooper S years. Steering stands out for this year: see below.
The verdict moves with mileage: the same car reads differently at 30,000 and at 150,000 miles.
What 2004 Cooper S owners report, by mileage
Each system owners named in five or more complaints, with the mileage range where the middle half of those complaints were filed. Read at 78,000 miles.
| SYSTEM | COMPLAINTS | MIDDLE HALF FILED AT | TYPICAL US REPAIR BILLS |
|---|---|---|---|
| SteeringSTANDS OUT | 210 (85%) | 58k–100k miles · around this mileage | Steering rack and pinion replacement $700–$2,100 |
| Electrical system | 19 (8%) | 50k–103k miles · around this mileage | 12-volt battery replacement $100–$400 · Starter motor replacement $350–$1,200 |
| Air bags | 8 (3%) | 39k–81k miles · around this mileage | — |
| Engine | 5 (2%) | 55k–88k miles · around this mileage | Valve cover gasket replacement $110–$500 · Timing chain replacement $1,000–$4,000 |
| Visibility and wipers | 12 (5%) | 5k–35k miles · mostly behind | — |
Bills are typical US ranges from the sources named in the tool (J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, CarParts.com and others), printed only for systems that stand out or sit at or ahead of 78,000 miles. Not a quote.
What owners reported alongside their complaints
Of 247 complaints: 7 mention a crash · 5 mention a fire · 2 report an injury.
No complaints in the last 12 months; the newest was filed in Jul 2020.
Counts of what owners wrote in their complaints, not verified by anyone.
Recalls for the 2004 Mini Cooper S: 2
The affected vehicles may experience temporary or permanent loss of the electro-hydraulic steering assistance. 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.
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. 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.
A recall may cover only some cars of a model year; the campaign size counts every model and year it lists. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls: dealers fix open recalls free.
Service bulletins from Mini: 24
Repair instructions Mini sent its dealers for symptoms seen in the shop on the 2004 Mini Cooper S. Ask a dealer or mechanic for a bulletin by its number.
Some vehicles have turbocharger noise and a lack or loss of performance, due to restriction of turbocharger oil supply…
State Inspection and Emission (I/M) Test Fails Due to an Invalid VIN Number
Electro-Hydraulic Power-Assist Steering Pump (EHPS) and Cooling Fan: Limited Warranty Extension to 13 Years/150,000 Miles
There is a disconnection or kink, in wnidshield washer hose, which is too short, causing windshield front washer jet to fail
NHTSA defect investigations: 2
Loss of power steering assist
Loss of Power Steering Assist
Neighbouring years
2003 Cooper S: 216 complaints, keep it · 2005 Cooper S: 314 complaints, keep it.
Every Mini Cooper S year
2002 · 2003 · 2004 · 2005 · 2006 · 2007 · 2008 · 2009 · 2010 · 2011 · 2012 · 2013 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2017 · 2019 · 2020 · 2022 · 2024 · 2025 · All Cooper S years side by side
Other Mini models: Mini Cooper · Mini Cooper Convertible. All makes and models.
Questions
Is the 2004 Mini Cooper S a bad year?
247 owner complaints to NHTSA. Engine and transmission complaints are in line with other Cooper S years. At 78,000 miles the tool says: Keep it.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Mini Cooper S?
By owner complaints to NHTSA: steering (210), electrical system (19), air bags (8), engine (5), visibility and wipers (12).
How many recalls does the 2004 Mini Cooper S have?
2 recall campaigns list this model year: Steering (NHTSA 15V-660), Tires (NHTSA 04V-348). A recall may cover only some cars; check by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Method: counts of unverified owner complaints filed with NHTSA, compared only with other years of the same model (sales volumes are unknown, so no failure rate is computed). A system stands out at 40+ complaints and at least twice the model's quiet (lower-quartile) year, or twice the share across every vehicle of that model year. The mileage range is the 25th to 75th percentile of the mileages owners reported. Data received by NHTSA through November 5, 2026. Repair prices are typical US ranges from named sources, not quotes. Not a diagnosis and not financial advice. PulsCar is not affiliated with NHTSA. Check this car at your own mileage.