2002 Mini Cooper S

▲ Better than typical

2002 Mini Cooper S
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:43:46.073Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2002: 83 complaints

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

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

STEERING 70%

70% of complaints: steering — 58 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing pump and hydraulic power assist system.

CRASH FIRE

Show 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

Also filed under AIR BAGS

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

Also filed under ENGINE

AIR BAGS 18%

18% of complaints: air bags — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing side/window and frontal.

CRASH INJURY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 12%

12% of complaints: electrical system — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers and alternator/generator/regulator.

CRASH FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

OUR MINI BURNED TO THE GROUND. IT HAD ONLY BEEN DRIVEN 20 MILES AND WAS PARKED WHEN IT HAPPENED. AFTER A FORENSIC SPECIALIST WAS HIRED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE ABS UNIT WAS AT FAULT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20070306

Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 6%

6% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and engine.

INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

THE EXHAUST PIPE ON THE 2002 MINI COOPER S I HAVE IS CENTRALLY LOCATED IN THE BACK OF THE BUMPER. THE CAR IS A HATCH BACK, AND I'VE RUINED A COUPLE PAIRS OF PANTS AND HAD MINOR BURNS FROM IT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20070914

SEATS 4%

4% of complaints: seats — 3 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

Show 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

I 20070419 — PE (closed 20070815)

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE

I 20070814 — EA (closed 20080813)

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE

I 20110504 — EA (closed 20160105)

Loss of power steering assist

R 20160304 — steering

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