2003 Mini Cooper S
This year had 30% to 100% more 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
56% of complaints: steering — 121 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED WHILE DRIVING
NHTSA ODI report, 20190728
I WAS APPROACHING A CORNER ON A BACK ROAD AND HALF WAY THROUGH THE POWER STEERING FAILED WHICH CAUSED THE CAR TO GO OFF THE ROAD ROLLING TWO AND A HALF TIMES LANDING ON THE ROOF.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171115
WAS STOPPED IN PARKING LOT, FIRE STARTED IN ENGINE BAY. POWER STEERING HAS BEEN INTERMITTENT FOR AWHILE. SHOP INDICATED THAT THE FAN FAILED AND CAUSED THE PUMP/WIRING TO COMPLETELY MELT. THIS ISSUE IS WIDELY KNOWN AND FOUND ON MINI COOPER FORUMS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120730
13% of complaints: visibility — 29 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: electrical system — 13 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE3% of complaints: steering — 6 distinct reports on file.
FIRE2% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 5 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE LOWER SCREW CONNECTION OF THE REAR STRUTS TO THE CHASSIS MAY FAIL. THE HEAD (TOP) OF THE SCREW SECURING THIS CONNECTION MAY BREAK. THE REMAINING PORTION OF THE SCREW WILL ST
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOWER SCREW CONNECTION OF THE REAR STRUTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 7, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AN
Campaign 03V086000 — check if this car was fixed
AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATION
AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATION
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
2003 Mini Cooper S — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (121 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (29 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V086000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 15V660000 (steering) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2003 Mini Cooper S reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Mini Cooper S is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mini Cooper S?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 56% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Mini Cooper S have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.