Loss of Power Steering Assist
NHTSA investigated and closed this without ordering a recall.
- Manufacturer
- BMW of North America, LLC
- Component
- STEERING, STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM, STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM, STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP
- Opened
- Sep 24, 2010
- Closed
- May 10, 2011
- Model years
- 2004–2005
- Type
- Preliminary Evaluation
Summary
ODI has received 339 complaints alleging an unexpected loss of power steering assist while driving the vehicle.When the power steering assist stops working, drivers experienced difficulty in steering and/or controlling the vehicle.According to BMW drivers may experience either a temporary or permanent loss of power steering assist.BMW further advised that a temporary loss of power steering assist may be due to a malfunctioning cooling fan or an under-voltage condition in the power steering system.A permanent loss of power steering assist may be due to an error in the internal electronics, and may also result in the continuous running of the power steering pump.The VOQ complaints allege 5 minor crashes and 3 fires.The crashes are described as hit the curb.The fires are described as melted wires. There were no property damage claims.ODI has received similar complaints for other model year Mini.Additional information is required to evaluate the frequency, consequence, and scope of this issue.Accordingly the investigation has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (see EA11-005).
Vehicles under investigation (6)
- BMW MINI COOPER2004
- MINI COOPER2004
- MINI COOPER2005
- MINI COOPER CONVERTIBLE2005
- MINI COOPER S2004
- MINI COOPER S2005
Source: NHTSA investigation PE10038. Investigations are NHTSA's review of a potential safety issue and may or may not result in a recall.