2002 Mini Cooper S
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 83 |
| 2003 | 217 |
| 2004 | 247 |
| 2005 | 314 |
| 2006 | 186 |
| 2007 | 249 |
| 2008 | 168 |
| 2009 | 119 |
| 2010 | 59 |
| 2011 | 31 |
| 2012 | 23 |
| 2013 | 24 |
| 2014 | 13 |
| 2015 | 18 |
| 2016 | 9 |
| 2017 | 5 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
61% of complaints: steering — 51 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MINI COOPER S. WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO AVOID HITTING AN ANIMAL, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE VEHICLE STRUCK THE ANIMAL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20151123
The contact owns a 2002 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45-55 MPH, the steering wheel seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250121
PURCHASED THIS CAR USED WITH LOW MILES. SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE I NOTICED THE STEERING ON MY VEHICLE GOT A LITTLE HARDER TO STEER, DIDN'T THINK TO MUCH ABOUT IT. THEN THE RADIATOR FAN WOULD NOT TURN OFF WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS OFF.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180815
14% of complaints: air bags — 12 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 MINI COOPER S. WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO AVOID HITTING AN ANIMAL, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE VEHICLE STRUCK THE ANIMAL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20151123
8% of complaints: electrical system — 7 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE5% of complaints: steering — 4 distinct reports on file.
4% of complaints: seats — 3 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
THE PASSENGER SIDE HEATED SEAT MALFUNCTIONED AND BURNED A HOLE INTO THE LEATHERETTE UPHOLSTERY AND MY WIFES SWEATER. SHE WAS SITTING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEN IT OCCURRED. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR FIRE A DEFINITE SAFETY HAZARD. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20131105
SAFETY TIMELINE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE
Loss of power steering assist
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 MINI Cooper and Cooper S vehicles and 2005 Cooper and Cooper S Convertible vehicles.
Remedy: MINI will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the electro-hydraulic power steering system, replacing the components and wiring, as necessary, free of charge. Interim notices were mailed to owners on December 10, 2015.
Campaign 15V660000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Mini Cooper S — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (51 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 15V660000 (steering) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2002 Mini Cooper S reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Mini Cooper S is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Mini Cooper S?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 61% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Mini Cooper S have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.