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
- 83
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- Steering
Campaigns on file for 2002
Opened by NHTSA
70% of complaints
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 | 10 |
| 2017 | 6 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 4 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Steering
70% · 58 reportsMost commonly citing pump and hydraulic power assist system.
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, 2015-11-23
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, 2025-01-21
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, 2018-08-15
Also filed under Engine
Air bags
18% · 15 reportsMost commonly citing side/window and frontal.
Electrical system
12% · 10 reportsMost commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers and alternator/generator/regulator.
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, 2007-03-06
Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic
Engine and engine cooling
6% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and engine.
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, 2007-09-14
Seats
4% · 3 reportsShow 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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-11-05
Safety timeline
1 recall · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
2007-04-19Preliminary evaluationClosed 2007-08-15 Engine compartment fire
-
I
2007-08-14Engineering analysisClosed 2008-08-13 Engine compartment fire
-
I
2011-05-04Engineering analysisClosed 2016-01-05 Loss of power steering assist
-
R
2016-03-04Steering15V660000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2002 Mini Cooper S — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Steering: 58 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 15 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 10 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 15V660000 · Steering
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 70% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2002 Mini Cooper S have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.