Problems with 2002 MINI Cooper S STEERING

Took my car in for winding sound coming from motor. diagnosed as the alternator...they replaced it and sound was still present ...misdiagnosed and was actually the supercharger, but while they were checking it out initially the power steering pump stayed on...which didn't happen to me until they had it. after changing the alternator power steering pump no longer stayed on per the dealer. had it home 3 days to wake up one morning hearing the pump on and i go to start my car and in drained my battery. had to jump the car and then disconnect the cable to keep from the ps pump continuously running. the car is at the dealer getting a new pump $975 plus tax, researched mini owner website and found several complaints of the same issue also that some cars actually caught fire from a failure of the pump. researched more on north american motoring . there was a long list of people who had the exact experience. sure would be awful for the pump to go out while driving on expressway and not able to steer correctly. surprised it hasn't caused an accident/death yet. *tr

The power steering fails with no warning. the car becomes extremely difficult to control. it happens without warning and at various speeds. it may last just a few minutes or much longer - hour or so. usually does not occur when just starting the car but no other known pattern. it happens 1 to 2 times a month or more. *tr

Several, the air bag warning light has illuminated more then ten different times, each time it was repaired by the dealer (westchester bmw/westchester mini) the last fix was after the normal warranty had expired and required much fuss to get it repaired for free. the power steering pump suddenly stopped working while driving on the highway. the radiator fan was replaced two times by me (car out of warranty) even though i complained to the dealer when the car was still quite new about the frequency of the fan motor's starting and stopping which will severely shorten the life of any electric motor. the windshield stress cracked while under warranty and was repaired. the windshield wiped motor has just failed during an incredible rainstorm. *jb

Power steering pump failed. replacement was required at 48,000 miles. viewing the mini owners website revealed many similar situations where the pump required replacement on many 2002-2004 models. this could lead to serious safety issues. *nm

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 mini cooper s. the contact was driving approximately 60 mph when there was a complete loss of power steering without warning. the contact pulled over to the side of the road with difficulty. the engine was turned off and restarted. the power steering became functional. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis. the technician was unable to duplicate the problem. the failure continued. the failure mileage and vin were unavailable.

My mini cooper s 2002. my power steering locked up making it almost impossible to steer. very dangerous and the fan kept running when off which drained the battery. it is not drivable now. *tr