2005 Mini Hardtop Mini Hardtop 2005

We are 103,000+ car owners sharing real-world car information.

Join Us

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%)

Select a problem area

Show all problems

Need advice about a specific Mini Hardtop problem?

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

2005 Mini Hardtop suspension repair cost distribution

$2500+ (0%)

$1000 - $2499 (19%)

$500 - $999 (17%)

$100 - $499 (39%)

< $100 (25%)

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

Chart based on 36 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

64000 mi

US $2000
Suspension is loose- not sure of the technical reason. Not a critical fix for now, but expensive. 

Return to top

2005 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

supercharged 207hp 1.6L I4 6-speed manual FWD

73000 mi

US $1752
Power steering pump and fan Front struts failed Bad front axel 
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. 

Return to top

2005 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

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

65000 mi

US $412
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. 

Return to top

2005 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

supercharged 168hp 1.6L I4 6-speed manual FWD

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. 
35340 mi Power steering pump failed, ventilator seized. 
74000 mi Power steering rack failure. 
99100 mi Replacing electric power steering pump and power steering cooling fan 
102500 mi

US $200
Replaced RF and LF control arm bushings 
54000 mi

US $450
Struts and shocks had to be replaced 
22598 mi Steering failure. Dealer replaced steering rack, power steering pump, asst. wiring, and electric fan. 
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. 
34000 mi Had to replace 2 bad wheel bearings in front. 
60000 mi

US $800
Power steering, fan not working 
78000 mi

US $387
Worn control arm bushings 
38000 mi

US $350
Bushing replaced. 
62000 mi

US $200
Power steering fan required replacement. Covered under the extended warranty. 
68000 mi

US $200
Power steering motor failed. 
53000 mi

US $450
Power steering fan & pump failure - debris seized fan. 
37820 mi Brought car in for Inspection II. Turned out there was a leak in the steer rack. Replacement covered by warranty. 
81840 mi

C $300
Power steering pump return hose leak 
102300 mi Power steering was stiff and seemed to vibrate when turning. MINI replaced power steering pump under extended warranty. 
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. 
121500 mi

C $140
Rear swaybar bushings broken. Dealer only lubed them. 
118960 mi

C $150
Worn swaybar bushings 
48000 mi 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. 
47000 mi Replaced defective power steering pump 
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. 

Return to top

2005 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

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

75000 mi

US $1000
Tie rod was bent, mechanic replaced 
74500 mi

US $918
Power steering pump failed. Replaced pump and cooling fan. 
59000 mi

US $400
control arm bushings 

Return to top

2005 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

115-horsepower 1.6L I4 5-speed manual FWD

52060 mi

C $700
Power steering electrical pump changed. Power steering cooling fan changed. 
99500 mi

US $505
Power steering pump malfunction due to inoperable cooling fan. Update: new fan didn't fix problem, new steering pump ordered. 
101700 mi

US $800
Lower steering arm replaced. Mini did not have any part in stock for about a year. Really. A full year. 
75700 mi

US $1500
replaced suspension bushings 
89200 mi

US $1100
Power steering electrical pump fan always on. Replaced pump and fan. 

Return to top

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

2005 Mini Hardtop Suspension Problems

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.