2005 Mini Hardtop Mini Hardtop 2005

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2005 Mini Hardtop repairs by problem area

Engine (48%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (7%)

Brakes and Traction Control (5%)

Suspension and Steering (15%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (12%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (5%)

Other (7%)

Chart based on 256 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2005 Mini Hardtop.

2005 Mini Hardtop repair cost distribution

$2500+ (4%)

$1000 - $2499 (15%)

$500 - $999 (17%)

$100 - $499 (32%)

< $100 (32%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 185 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2005 Mini Hardtop

Engine not specified

Mini Hardtop in California, United States
Jan 2010 - Jun 2010
Feb 2010

51000 mi
Replaced O2 sensor. 
Mini Hardtop in Maryland, United States
Mar 2010 - Jun 2011
Apr 2010

64000 mi

US $2000
Cooling fan was replaced Suspension is loose- not sure of the technical reason. Not a critical fix for now, but expensive. 
Mini Hardtop in Victoria, Australia
Oct 2010 - Apr 2011
Mar 2011

66340 mi

A $700
head gasket engine mount 
Apr 2011

66340 mi
needed $1,500 of repairs when sold 
Mini Hardtop in Wisconsin, United States
Mar 2011 - Apr 2011
Apr 2011

27000 mi

US $500
Broken engine mount 
Mini Hardtop in California, United States
Dec 2008 - Mar 2010
Jan 2009

34000 mi
 
Mini Hardtop in Florida, United States
Jan 2010 - Jun 2011
Feb 2010

43000 mi

US $4500
Gear Box making noise when clutch disengaged. 

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2005 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

supercharged 207hp 1.6L I4 6-speed manual FWD

Mini Hardtop in California, United States
May 2013 - Oct 2015
Apr 2014

73000 mi

US $1752
Oil Pan leak - replaced Gasket - replaced Power steering pump and fan Front struts failed Bad front axel Reverse lights - previous mechanic left unplugged "Failure of PRE CAT O2 Sensor" O2 Sensor Harness Heater Circuit Front Drive-Shaft 
Oct 2015

87000 mi

US $24
Seal around the middle of the Engine Coolant Reservoir was leaking. Replied with sealant. 
Mini Hardtop in Tennessee, United States
Jun 2021 - Dec 2021
Oct 2021

37000 mi

US $50
Wheel speed sensor failed 
Mini Hardtop in Florida, United States
Jul 2010 - Jun 2018
Aug 2010

84000 mi

US $380
Failure of speed sensor in driver side wheel hub Pass seat weight sensor pad (airbag sensor) bad. This is the 3rd needing replacement since car was purchased new 
Oct 2010

85200 mi

US $40
Mini has a known weak point in the exhaust hangers, mine needed to be welded back on 
Jun 2014

87000 mi

US $350
Replaced Master Cyl and fluids. The brake pedal was on the floor. Replaced alternator because bad pulley bearing making noise. Also replaced serpentine belt. Brakes were not firm, replaced rear caliper Replaced Master Cyl and fluids Replaced alternator, bad pulley bearing. Also replaced serpentine belt 
Jul 2014

88000 mi

US $300
Brake power booster, spark plugs, oil and trans fluid 
May 2015

101000 mi

US $1600
Cracked radiator mount, cracked radiator and leaking expansion tank 
Dec 2015

107000 mi

US $1317
Car had a couple of oil leaks that I have been ignoring, had them all fixed- Valve Cover Gasket, Oil Filter Housing and Oil Pan Gasket 
Jan 2016

107000 mi

US $500
I had the parking brake cable replaced on the 05. The brake would not release in cold weather (under 20 degrees). Also new battery in same car. 
Dec 2016

116000 mi
The throw out bearing failed with no warning, the entire clutch was replaced. 
Mar 2017

119000 mi

US $200
I replaced all 4 wheel hubs, this was due to a low speed noise that I could not nail down and the hubs were the originals. In the process I broke one of the wheel speed sensors. 
Feb 2018

127000 mi

US $800
inner CV joint was leaking grease so I replaced both the inner and outer boots. Since the drive shaft needs to be removed to complete the repair I had the axle seal replaced as well for preventative measures. 
Mini Hardtop in North Carolina, United States
Oct 2010 - Jan 2012
Nov 2010

48000 mi
convertible top stopped working (snapped cables operating the sunroof/top. Cost of repair prevented my having the problem fixed. Requested assistance from MINI....local dealer was little help. Doubt there will be any help. Picked up a piece of metal during trip to dealer that lodged in the rear spring/suspension. Dealer looked at it and returned the car with object still there...????? Sort of said "oops"...we forgot. 
Mini Hardtop in Maryland, United States
Oct 2010 - Jun 2011
Nov 2010

36000 mi
From a previous warranty repair 2 years ago, when the Cabrio top was replaced, the roof frame rattled badly. MINI corporate confirmed a problem with original parts/installation and replaced components at no cost out of warranty. 

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2005 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

supercharged 168hp 1.6L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Mini Hardtop in California, United States
Oct 2016 - Oct 2017
Oct 2016

84000 mi

US $3500
Coolant leak repair, a single part cost $300. Hoses and valves replaced Motor blew, headgasket replaced, along with all other 80K maintenance, many hoses, valves, and gaskets replaced. 
Jun 2017

91000 mi

US $600
Leak of main oil gasket in engine deteriorated all oil gaskets causing massive leaking. Needed all main gaskets replaced. 
Mini Hardtop in Texas, United States
Mar 2010 - Aug 2014
May 2010

56720 mi
Replaced cracked air tube. Replaced cracked air tube and used car delivery prep.  
Dec 2010

59800 mi

US $115
Transmission went into "EP" mode and driver noticed harsh shifts and general sluggish performance. The shop retrieved error code 2C10. Updated tranny control unit with latest software. It's better but shop cautioned, be alert to more. Investigated trouble code:2C10 ("EP" displayed on tranny indicator). One occurrence of code. Fault was cleared. Car driven, fault did not reoccur. Tranny software upgraded. Shop cautioned vigilance to more occurrences.  
Jan 2011

60700 mi
Another occurrence of trouble code 2C10, shifter fault. The shop had two other MINI Coopers in for repair and reported that our shifter was "very loose" compared to the others. Will order new shifter and replace when arrives. Another occurrence of trouble code 2C10, shifter fault. The shop had two other MINI Coopers in for repair and reported that our shifter was "very loose" compared to the others. Will order new shifter and replace when arrives.  
Feb 2011

61000 mi

US $1171
Replaced shifter. Replaced ignition packs on recommendation of shop. Replaced shifter. 
Apr 2011

61200 mi

US $72
Recurrence of "EP" tranny warning light. Code scan revealed Code 2C10 again. Shop cleared code and drove extensively in attempt to have fault reoccur, which it didn't. But they did claim that tranny is "slipping" on shift of 2. Recurrence of "EP" tranny warning light. Code scan revealed Code 2C10. Shop cleared code and drove in attempt to have fault reoccur, which it didn't. But they state that tranny is "slipping" between 2nd & 3rd. Oil change, char 
May 2011

61300 mi

US $8755
Replaced transmission. Replaced fuel pump. Replaced fuel pump. Replaced transmission. 
Oct 2011

64000 mi
"EP" in tranny display. No obvious impairment in performance. Six months since tranny was replaced. Repair consisted of reading code (code I.D. was not reported to owner), clearing error, relearning tranny "adapts" and test drive. 
Jan 2012

65248 mi
Fluid leak. We took a piece of poster card and set it under the engine all night to help shop locate source. Fluid was clear. Shop cleaned area, drove it and said the PS hoses were leaking. Both hoses replaced. EP message in gear selector display, scanned as 2C10. Shop cleared and drove. Error did not return. Shop contacted PUMA (MINI's tech support network). PUMA advised that code has been related to low voltage. Batt. checked, terminal loose Yet another appearance of 2C10 in the gear drive indicator. The dealer went to extreme to try and trace the issue. But once the error was "cleared" the error would not repeat. PUMA contacted, if returns Engineer will be called in. Continued investigation of "EP" (2C10 scanned as cause). One day after return of PS hose replacement, "EP" appeared in tranny display. Kept car 10days, clear error, contacted PUMA. Ran PUMA list, nothing found. But not charged. 
Oct 2012

67500 mi

US $518
Clear fluid leak. Dealer inspected, cited warped thermostat housing as cause. Replaced housing, thermostat, gasket and coolant was flushed. Addition repairs recommended. Engine mount $3C, brake fluid $1C, front control bushing $7C. 
Jan 2013

70300 mi

US $42
Lift supports for rear hatch. In cold temps the hatch would not remain fully open. On really cold days < 20 F the hatch would slowly fall. 
Mini Hardtop in British Columbia, Canada
Jan 2010 - Jun 2022
Nov 2012

33160 mi
One rear license plate lens disappeared. MINI PARTS advised that they had to replace the entire lighting bracket($150). However when I found the factory part on the web ($9.00) they were apologetic and installed it gratis. Slow antifreeze leak onto floor of garage. Passenger seat when reclined fully or in full forward tilt position would occasionally not lock when put back up in normal driving position. Sunroof making unhappy noises when closing, less so when opening. 
Mar 2015

39680 mi

C $75
Dipstick broke outside sheath. Luckily didn't break off completely as is known to happen with this sad testament to normally technically excellent BMW design. Replaced with Craven Speed stainless steel spring with aluminum handle @ $75 US ! 
May 2015

40300 mi

C $86
Both gas struts holding up the rear hatch gave up at once. MINI dealer wanted $99.55 EACH. Replaced with aftermarket(StrongArm) struts for $38.74 each. 
Jan 2020

51396 mi

C $350
RT front fluid-filled engine mount leaking. Replaced. 

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2005 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

supercharged 168hp 1.6L I4 6-speed manual FWD

Mini Hardtop in Ontario, Canada
Dec 2011 - Jan 2012
Jan 2012

74400 mi
I can't open the hood 
Mini Hardtop in Georgia, United States
Apr 2011 - Dec 2016
Jul 2016

185000 mi

US $75
Valve Cover Gasket 
Dec 2016

185000 mi
Boot cracked around clamp leaking out CV grease on day of sale. 
Mini Hardtop in Alberta, Canada
Dec 2011 - Jan 2012
Jan 2012 Power steering pump failed, ventilator seized. 
Mini Hardtop in Illinois, United States
Apr 2013 - Jun 2015
Nov 2014

54900 mi

US $1200
oil pan gasket leaking. 
Mini Hardtop in Washington, United States
Jun 2012 - Sep 2016
Jan 2013

96200 mi

US $130
Replaced both oil cooler seals. 
Feb 2013

71000 mi

US $330
Replaced the main gasket seal on the oil cooler 
Nov 2013

82600 mi

US $493
Diagnosed as a starter issue, but turned out to be an ignition switch. Installed new starter and ignition switch. 
Nov 2014

100000 mi

US $139
Battery died and replaced it. 
Mar 2015

105000 mi

US $225
Upper right motor mount bolt broke off. 
May 2016

121000 mi

US $215
Replaced a broken charcoal canister. 
Jun 2016

122000 mi
Had airbag sensor replaced in the passenger seat under recall. It didn't didn't always recognize that there was a person in the seat. 
Aug 2016

122000 mi

US $1064
Crank pulley broke while driving the car. replaced crank pulley, serpentine belt, tensioner unit, and Idler pulley 
Mini Hardtop in Oregon, United States
Dec 2019 - Oct 2021
Sep 2019

83000 mi

US $1500
Supercharger service, radiator, brakes, front suspension, struts 
Mini Hardtop in South Carolina, United States
Oct 2012 - Jan 2015
Jul 2013

62200 mi

US $275
The brake rotors were getting cut by the brake cage. After ordering new pads and rotors I found out that the bearing hub was the culprit. The hub was so bad that it moved freely through to the axle. $200 for pads/rotors and $75 for hub. 
Jan 2014

61200 mi

US $20
ABS, Traction Control, Low Tire lights came on indicating a bad speed sensor. Isolated the wheel by testing the resistance of each at the ABS module. Replace the driver's side front sensor and lights gone. Probably caused by bearing fail. 
Sep 2014

70000 mi

US $40
Passenger inside door release stopped working. The cable stretched (common problem) over time. Replaced cable. 
Mini Hardtop in Minnesota, United States
Jan 2013 - Jun 2014
Mar 2014

95000 mi

US $15
Missing at idle, bad fuel economy. Installed new air filter and ran techron fuel injection cleaner through the fuel tank. 
Mini Hardtop in Georgia, United States
Jun 2013 - Sep 2015
May 2014

125700 mi

US $250
Hatch struts failed 
Mini Hardtop in Delaware, United States
Mar 2015 - Oct 2017
Feb 2015 The catalytic converter broke open at a seam which created almost a cutout at the headers and the sound was quite loud in the car . The converter was welded closed and the rest of the exhaust system was replaced. Actually in January. 
May 2016

91300 mi

US $750
Replaced dead Battery. Could not get the passenger side hood latch to open. Hood was stuck closed. Replaced exhaust system after catalytic converter. The shop did not align the hangers to the supports. Exhaust would twist and bang against the underside of the car. 
Oct 2017

95000 mi

US $600
The Parking Brake cable from the Hand Brake to the rear junction broke. The mechanic billed me for replacing the parking brake cable to each rear wheel ($180 in parts) and 3 hours labor. 
Mini Hardtop in Wisconsin, United States
Dec 2014 - Mar 2018
Aug 2015

99100 mi
Replacing electric power steering pump and power steering cooling fan 
Sep 2015

100000 mi

US $306
Replaced Head lamp and head lamp ignitor 
Apr 2016

102500 mi

US $200
Replaced RF and LF control arm bushings Valve cover gasket replaced 
Aug 2017

112000 mi

US $158
Check engine light came on, diagnosed as faulty camshaft position sensor. Had to order part Replaced camshaft position sensor 
Nov 2017

113000 mi

US $920
Both mufflers replaced 
Feb 2018

114248 mi

US $281
Parking brake wouldn't hold. Replace the parking brake cable 
Mini Hardtop in Utah, United States
Nov 2015 - Jun 2018
Dec 2015

65000 mi

US $1800
Power Steering hose found to have leak, thermostat found to have leak, cabin HEPA filter needed to be replaced, RF inner ball joint was worn and needed replacing. Service Engine Soon light came on, I was told i was nothing, came back on. 
Nov 2016

84000 mi

US $1100
Driver door would not open from inside, key fob didn't unlock driver door, and window rolled up/down badly. Replaced whole door latch assembly. Thermostat was leaking coolant and another sensor seal was leaking oil. Thermostat and the seal was replaced. 
Mini Hardtop in Maryland, United States
- Mar 2008
Aug 2007

15000 mi
Defective car alarm system replaced. 
Feb 2008

20000 mi
Defective thermostat caused car to overheat. 
Mar 2008

20600 mi
Front driver seat replaced; seat heater was overheating seat temperature to 160 degrees F. 
Mini Hardtop in West Virginia, United States
Dec 2013 - Jun 2016
Mar 2015

74000 mi
Power steering rack failure. 
Jan 2016

US $550
Thermostat housing leaking Valve cover gasket leak 
Feb 2016

76900 mi

US $70
Low speed resistor failed on radiator fan 
Mini Hardtop in Colorado, United States
Aug 2014 - Jun 2018
Aug 2014

82000 mi

US $525
crankshaft pulley failure. Replaced crank pulley, idler, tensioner and serpentine belt. Also serviced supercharge (changed oil). 
Apr 2015

88000 mi
sunroof rain rail tube coupling became disconnected. Water from sun roof rail ends up on passenger side floor 
Jan 2016

94700 mi

US $95
Thermostat housing leak. Replaced housing, thermostat and gasket 
Jun 2016

99000 mi

US $98
Clutch master and slave cylinder replaced 
Sep 2016

99000 mi

US $26
Check Engine light: evaporation system minor leak. Replaced gas cap. 
Dec 2016

100000 mi

US $1850
supercharger bearing failure. Supercharger replaced 
Mini Hardtop in New York, United States
- Aug 2007
Aug 2007

22598 mi
Steering failure. Dealer replaced steering rack, power steering pump, asst. wiring, and electric fan. 
Mini Hardtop in Ohio, United States
Oct 2012 - Jan 2019
Aug 2017

54000 mi

US $35
Right side motor mount needed to be replaced 
Oct 2017

54000 mi

US $450
Struts and shocks had to be replaced 
Mini Hardtop in Ohio, United States
Sep 2011 - Nov 2011
Nov 2011

60000 mi

US $800
Leaking main oil seal Oil leak - Valve Cover gasket Head gasket leak Power steering, fan not working Low speed cooling fan failure AC leak, not working 
Mini Hardtop in Ohio, United States
Jan 2014 - Sep 2015
Aug 2014

170100 mi

US $3000
Clutch wore out at 156,000 miles. Also had to replace flywheel, this doubled the cost 
Mini Hardtop in Michigan, United States
Mar 2013 - Nov 2015
Nov 2013

71100 mi

US $900
broken connection at rear of fuse box 
Jun 2014

81000 mi

US $160
alternator failed. replaced with new timing belt 
Oct 2014

82200 mi

US $5
replaced pads, rotors, brake lines and rear brake caliper 
Mini Hardtop in Washington, United States
Feb 2011 - Jan 2015
Mar 2011

129000 mi

US $325
Cleaned some sort of a boost sensor that was causing a miss under load. Total cost of $250, which was mostly diagnostic time. Replaced torn intake boot, $75. 
Apr 2011

129500 mi

US $75
Replaced coolant expansion tank. 
Jul 2011

132000 mi

US $350
Failed engine mount caused vibration under load. Mount replaced. 
Aug 2011

132000 mi

US $380
Replaced leaking valve cover gasket.  
Nov 2011

134000 mi

US $500
Windshield (previously replaced) leaked into interior. Fried electronics in mirror. 
Jun 2012

137000 mi

US $800
As a result of earlier water leak, the central locking unit went out and had to be replaced. A/C leak. Recharged and diagnostic fluid added. Cruise control not working. Bad clutch sensor. 
Mini Hardtop in California, United States
May 2010 - Apr 2011
Apr 2011

61000 mi

US $200
Clutch issue. Sticking when pushed pedal down. 
Mini Hardtop in Oregon, United States
Apr 2010 - Feb 2013
Jul 2010

67700 mi
02 sensor replaced by MINI no charge  
Jun 2011

78000 mi

US $387
Worn control arm bushings 
Mini Hardtop in Nevada, United States
Sep 2010 - Mar 2011
Oct 2010

37000 mi
Oxygen sensor, third time replaced. Check engine light has come back on, again. 
Feb 2011

39000 mi

US $78
Problematic oxygen sensor replaced, yet again. 
Mini Hardtop in British Columbia, Canada
Sep 2008 - Jun 2017
Mar 2008

37820 mi
Brought car in for Inspection II. Turned out there was a leak in the steer rack. Replacement covered by warranty. 
Nov 2008

45260 mi
Dome light shorted out. Complained that the sunroof mechanism seemed to be slower and noisy. Dealer mentioned a service bulletin and said they would fix it.  During inspection, dealer noticed oil outside the engine. They replaced the head cover gasket and the oil pan gasket.  
Dec 2009

62000 mi
Fluid from engine mount leaked out. Dealer said it would still be okay to drive with it for awhile. Would replace at next routine maintenance. 
Feb 2010

63860 mi

C $1700
Top engine mount leaked fluid. It appears to be a common issue. Replaced the mount. 
Mar 2010

66340 mi

C $120
After repairing the top engine mount, the dealer said the lower engine mount was likely worn. Turned out the bushing was cracked. Lower engine mount was replaced. 
May 2011

81840 mi

C $300
Power steering pump return hose leak 
Mar 2012

91140 mi

C $735
Fuel pump failure while on a MINI club drive 
Jun 2013

102300 mi
Power steering was stiff and seemed to vibrate when turning. MINI replaced power steering pump under extended warranty. 
Sep 2013

104160 mi

C $2000
catalytic converter rusted and broke in half. Required new exhaust manifold and cat. 
Apr 2014

110540 mi

C $800
Had clutch replace a year ago. The new clutch failed due to too much vibration from the dual mass flywheel. Replaced under warranty. Converted to single mass flywheel system. 
Aug 2014

114700 mi
Passenger side power window motor failure. Ran diagnostics, checked fuses and nothing wrong indicated. Fixed using the "Fonzie method". A couple of good hard bangs on the door panel where the motor was mounted. 
Mar 2015

118420 mi

C $600
Noticed some play on the steering and a slight pull to the left. Had repair check it out while in for an oil change. It was a cracked wheel bearing. Was a safety issue. 
Jul 2015

121500 mi

C $140
Rear swaybar bushings broken. Dealer only lubed them. 
Dec 2015

127100 mi

C $200
Top passenger side engine mount leakage. Replaced engine mount. 
Jan 2016

118960 mi

C $150
Worn swaybar bushings 
Jan 2017

129400 mi

C $100
Coolant overflow tank cracked 
Mar 2017

140740 mi

C $45
oil dipstick broke. replaced dipstick. Had to order it in as dealer did not stock it. 
Jun 2017

143220 mi

C $400
O2 sensor failed . 
Mini Hardtop in Washington, United States
Feb 2010 - Jun 2018
Sep 2010

17000 mi

US $180
Other dealer botched a windshield installation. New dealer fixed the seal and eliminated the rattle at no cost to owner. Costs were regular oil change and brake fluid flush. 
Jan 2012

23000 mi

US $89
Check engine light turned on. Two faults, one about a misfire, the other about the ABS. Cleared it and hasn't happened since. 
Feb 2012

23200 mi

US $250
Same fault as before. Shop realized battery was the original 7 year old one. Replaced it. 
Dec 2016

41000 mi

US $535
Passenger side indoor door handle stopped working. 
Nov 2017

44000 mi

US $500
Front and rear O2 sensors needed to be replaced after throwing faults. 
Mini Hardtop in California, United States
Mar 2009 - Jul 2013
Apr 2009

50000 mi
Air conditioning fan motor squealed at moderate to high speed. Service Engine Soon light and Electrical Malfunction Lights came on. The car motor sputtered occasionally and the MPH decreased but the car remained driveable. The source of the problem was a disconnected air hose from the supercharger. 
Nov 2009

62000 mi

US $200
Power steering fan required replacement. Covered under the extended warranty. Water pump required replacement. Covered under the extended warranty. 
Mar 2010

68000 mi

US $200
Power steering motor failed. 
Sep 2010

77000 mi

US $200
Passengers side door lock actuator failed. replaced under extended warranty. Supercharger seal and motor mount seal leaking. replaced under extended warranty. 
Jun 2012

118000 mi

US $1600
replace clutch replace door latch mechanism 
Dec 2012

130000 mi

US $500
ABS sensor in wheel malfunctioned and had to be replaced. 
Jan 2013

132000 mi

US $150
Oil pressure sensor malfunctioned and had to be replaced. 
Jul 2013

143000 mi
Both check engine and service engine soon light came on. Dealer diagnosed the problem as a cracked valve require engine change. Local repair shop diagnosed the problem as failing supercharger. Both repair estimates high-will sell car. 
Mini Hardtop in New York, United States
Jul 2009 - May 2013
Aug 2009

47000 mi
Replaced defective power steering pump 
Jan 2010

82800 mi

US $7000
Transmission fluid leak.  
Apr 2010

57000 mi

US $1500
Replaced defective/worn power steering, fan Asked for 4 wheel alignment. Repair shop diagnosed need for new front end bearings and new right front tie rod in order to perform alignment. Drivers seat not sliding forward when seat back is tilted. Reattached cable inside seat back. 
Jan 2011

54000 mi

US $250
Passenger side headlight washer broken. Replaced parts with new. 
Jan 2012

66700 mi

US $450
Fluid (oil) leaking from right side motor mount. Replaced right side motor mount. Second motor mount replacement in 24 months. Previous repair to same item done in January 2010. 
Mar 2012

78000 mi

US $450
Airbag sensor in passenger seat went bad. Replaced seat bottom. Driver's seat easy access feature not working. Replaced driver's side seat rails. Cooling fan cycling on and off every 30 seconds. Needed replacement. 
Jun 2012

80000 mi

US $400
Alternator failed. Auxilliary cooling fan failed after being replaced in March. Kept cycling on and off repeatedly. Fan replaced at no charge. 
Apr 2013

89000 mi

US $1100
Crank pulley broke and was replaced with new 
Mini Hardtop in Florida, United States
Sep 2008 - May 2009
Oct 2008

14000 mi

US $300
Glove box plastic peeling. 
Mini Hardtop in New Hampshire, United States
Feb 2009 - Mar 2011
Feb 2010

47300 mi

US $320
Slight leak from valve cover gasket was noticed during routine (5000 mile) oil change. Also had plugs changed during the VCG replacement. 
May 2010

53000 mi

US $450
Power steering fan & pump failure - debris seized fan. 
Mini Hardtop in Illinois, United States
Sep 2008 - May 2010
Oct 2008

24000 mi

US $40
leak in thermostat seal, thermostat replaced. 
Mini Hardtop in California, United States
Sep 2005 - Feb 2012
Nov 2005

3500 mi
Broken rear hatch lock. Warranty repair 
Mar 2006

5500 mi
Loose left headlight unit. Warranty adjustment 
Aug 2009

20000 mi

US $199
Upper engine mount replaced 
Jan 2011

23000 mi

US $480
Left HID headlight housing self-leveling system failed. Replaced complete headlight housing. 
Mini Hardtop in New Jersey, United States
Sep 2005 - Feb 2009
Aug 2005

300 mi
Replace supercharger belt tensioner. Under Warranty. Remedy Trim Rattles in P/S door pillar. Under Warranty 
Nov 2008

29000 mi
Leaking fluid. Found to be defective thermostat housing. Replaced Housing, Gasket and Thermostat. Added Coolant. 
Mini Hardtop in California, United States
Jan 2011 - Sep 2014
Mar 2011

38000 mi

US $350
Bushing replaced. 
Mini Hardtop in Pennsylvania, United States
Jan 2009 - Mar 2010
Feb 2009

34000 mi
Had to replace passenger seat air-bag sensor, light was on.  Had to replace 2 bad wheel bearings in front. Had to tighten E-brake cable. 
Mini Hardtop in Colorado, United States
Feb 2010 - Mar 2012
Jan 2010

54000 mi

US $100
Coldest day of the year, thermostat froze shut and car almost overheated. Self diagnosed as too little antifreeze in system due to constant topping-up as a result of leaky thermostat housing. Replaced thermostat and re-sealed housing. 
May 2010

60000 mi

US $2200
Shop gave me some BS about the springs in the pressure plate "stiffening" enough to repeatedly blow out hydraulics. Basically, they were just covering their butts for a faulty diagnosis. Still have the pristine clutch they took out.  
Apr 2011

69000 mi

US $10
Rattling under car at high speed, sounded wind-related. All 3 threaded clips that secure the lower bumper-cover related bolts had rusted out, and the bumper was flapping in the wind. New stainless bolts / nuts forthcoming. Rattling under car at high speed, sounded wind-related. All 3 threaded clips that secure the lower bumper-cover related bolts had rusted out, and the bumper was flapping in the wind. New stainless bolts / nuts forthcoming.  
Jun 2011

73000 mi
Parking brake began seizing repeatedly. Driver side parking brake cable, previously damaged due to poor design, had been rusting and intermittently jamming for >1 year. Inspection found cable critically damaged due to rust. Removed part. 
Oct 2011

76000 mi

US $1200
Dash lights would not shut off regardless of headlight or ignition position. Dealer diagnosed internally shorted control module and replaced - $750. Remote locks also would not work, replaced receiver - $450 Dash lights would not shut off regardless of headlight or ignition position. Dealer diagnosed internally shorted control module and replaced - $750. Remote locks also would not work, replaced receiver - $450 
Mini Hardtop in New Jersey, United States
Sep 2008 - Dec 2010
Oct 2008

40000 mi
Squeaks, noisy gear shifting.  Oxygen Sensor 
Jul 2010

63000 mi

US $1050
Clutch Cylinder replaced.  Leaking Engine Gasket and mount. 
Nov 2010

68000 mi

US $700
Main Engine Fan was reported to be not working. 

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2005 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

115-horsepower 1.6L I4 6-speed shiftable CVT FWD

Mini Hardtop in Alberta, Canada
Feb 2011 - Sep 2017
Sep 2011

26040 mi

C $1200
air bag light on as weight sensor on passenger seat not working replaced wieght sensor 
Nov 2011

27280 mi

C $375
oxygen sensor was not working so was replaced 
Jan 2012

29760 mi

C $320
Car was overheating thermostat was replaced. 
Sep 2014

42780 mi

C $330
Diagnose problem code re air leak. Did some test to rule out any major issue. Appears that gas cap may have not been tightened properly. 
Sep 2015

45260 mi

C $1400
Coolant leak found.Concern that it was the head gasket. Plastic thermostat housing leaking so was replaced. 
Mini Hardtop in Michigan, United States
May 2016 - Jun 2018
Jul 2016

75000 mi

US $1000
Muffler was replaced for the first time, Tie rod was bent, mechanic replaced 
Sep 2017

80000 mi
I had major rust on: Drivers side door at the bottom Rust bubbling on both rear (left & right) quarter panels one either side of the tail lights. MINI covered the repair under their rust perforation warranty. 
Mini Hardtop in Kentucky, United States
Oct 2012 - Jun 2013
Jan 2013

59000 mi

US $400
oil leak - replaced pan gasket control arm bushings 
Mini Hardtop in Ohio, United States
Jul 2012 - Oct 2014
Aug 2012

58700 mi

US $1070
Transmission cooler replaced. 
Jul 2014

75000 mi

US $245
Items noted during 75k mile checkup: - two belts replaced (original?) - cabin air filter replaced - tires rotated 
Oct 2014

76000 mi

US $775
Exhaust system needed replaced. 
Mini Hardtop in California, United States
Aug 2010 - Apr 2014
Apr 2013

74500 mi

US $918
Power steering pump failed. Replaced pump and cooling fan. 

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2005 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

115-horsepower 1.6L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Mini Hardtop in Massachusetts, United States
- Mar 2010
Aug 2009

35000 mi

US $400
Thermostat housing was gone, new thermostat needed to be replaced, radiator had to be flushed. 
Sep 2009

35500 mi
Engine coolant appeared to be leaking (levels dropped significantly over 2 weeks) but the shop couldn't find any evidence of leak. 
Mar 2010

44000 mi

US $500
The engine hydrolocked after driving slowly through a 3 inch puddle during flooding in MA. The car was declared a total loss due to the potential for electrical failure from water damage. A $500 deductible was paid and insurance cut a check for the car. 
Mini Hardtop in Netherlands Antilles
Jun 2013 - Jun 2014
Jun 2013

42780 mi
gas and temp. meter was not reading 
Mini Hardtop in New Jersey, United States
Nov 2012 - Mar 2016
Feb 2013

99500 mi

US $505
Power steering pump malfunction due to inoperable cooling fan. Update: new fan didn't fix problem, new steering pump ordered. Muffler hanger rusted apart and left muffler dangling. Needed new part, $125 of total. 
Jan 2015

101700 mi

US $800
Lower steering arm replaced. Mini did not have any part in stock for about a year. Really. A full year. 
Mini Hardtop in Colorado, United States
Feb 2011 - Mar 2012
Aug 2011

55100 mi

US $110
hydraulic motor mount was gone. replaced it myself. 
Mini Hardtop in Quebec, Canada
Apr 2012 - Jun 2013
Jun 2012

44640 mi

C $150
switch to open hatch, took water or humidity, had a short, unable to open 
Jan 2013

C $700
Power steering electrical pump changed. Power steering cooling fan changed. 
Mar 2013

55180 mi

C $200
Engine light on, to signal defective oxygen sensor, I believe related to antipollution system. sensor replaced. 
Mini Hardtop in Connecticut, United States
Nov 2010 - Dec 2011
Nov 2010

56000 mi

US $3000
Replaced clutch. 
Dec 2010

57000 mi

US $1150
Oxygen sensors were causing the "Check Engine" light to stay on. We took our out-of-warranty Mini to a reliable mechanic, but only the Mini dealership has the software to reset the "adaptations" to make the Check Engine light go off. 
Mini Hardtop in Ontario, Canada
Feb 2013 - Jun 2014
Jun 2014

241800 mi

C $1200
no heat in the car at all! - needed new heater core - dealer had no idea how to fix - replaced a new thermostat, replaced a good radiator, sensors,finally heater core. Dealers do not like working on these I think! 
Mini Hardtop in California, United States
Jan 2010 - Nov 2013
Feb 2012

75700 mi

US $1500
replaced suspension bushings electric radiator fan malfunction coolant leak 
Dec 2012

85000 mi

US $500
fixed exhaust rattle/buzz Reset tire pressure warning sensor light, cleaned reset swithch for same. 
Mar 2013

88000 mi

US $50
purchased tire pressure monitor reset switch at dealer, replaced myself 
Apr 2013

89200 mi

US $1100
Power steering electrical pump fan always on. Replaced pump and fan. 
Mini Hardtop in Pennsylvania, United States
Mar 2014 - Mar 2015
Jun 2014

108000 mi

US $3400
worn bearings & gears, replaced transmission & clutch kit 
Mini Hardtop in Illinois, United States
Sep 2008 - Apr 2009
Mar 2009

40000 mi
Leaky oil pan repair. 
Mini Hardtop in Colorado, United States
Aug 2015 - Dec 2016
Aug 2015

137000 mi

US $271
Fuel Pump stopped working, replaced fuel pump and filter 

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See TrueDelta's information for all Hatchbacks
See TrueDelta's information for all Mini models.

2005 Mini Hardtop Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2005 Mini Hardtop problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.