2003 Mini Cooper
This year had more than double the complaints of 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
- 320
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 5
- Top problem
- Steering
Campaigns on file for 2003
Opened by NHTSA
51% of complaints
Complaints per year
2003: 320 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 6 |
| 2002 | 187 |
| 2003 | 320 |
| 2004 | 282 |
| 2005 | 372 |
| 2006 | 200 |
| 2007 | 117 |
| 2008 | 115 |
| 2009 | 151 |
| 2010 | 92 |
| 2011 | 83 |
| 2012 | 66 |
| 2013 | 47 |
| 2014 | 34 |
| 2015 | 56 |
| 2016 | 28 |
| 2017 | 28 |
| 2018 | 8 |
| 2019 | 12 |
| 2020 | 7 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Steering
51% · 162 reportsMost commonly citing pump and hydraulic power assist system.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that the power steering assist failed without warning while driving approximately 30 MPH. The power steering warning light illuminated after the failure occurred.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-03
While driving at high way speed car lost steering assist, intermittently came bad then failed, I then slowed down steering did not came back, once stopped large amount of smoke coming from under hood the smell of electrical burning, even with key...
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-12
No air or blower or heat to defog windshield. Water in driver-side foot well. Power steering intermittent fault. Engine continues running and panel gauge lights remain on with ignition off and key removed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-12-31
Also filed under Electrical system and visibility/wiper
Power train
28% · 90 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
While in motion, car began to become jerky while excelerating, than the transmission disingaged. No gear would work thereafter.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-05
Electrical system
8% · 26 reportsMost commonly citing interior/under dash and wiring.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving 10 MPH a fire started in the dashboard. Consumer managed to pull over, and put out the fire out. Then had the vehicle towed. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-01-07
Visibility
7% · 23 reportsMost commonly citing windshield and power window devices and controls.
Engine and engine cooling
7% · 23 reportsMost commonly citing engine and cooling system.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Mini Cooper S. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the contact noticed smoke emitting from under the hood. The contact stopped the vehicle and found a fire had erupted in the engine area and under the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-28
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 5 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2003Complaint volume 320 complaints filed for this model year.
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2003-04-04Suspension03V086000 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…
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…
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2005-09-19Defect petitionClosed 2005-10-06 Air bag warning lamp illumination
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2005-09-27Preliminary evaluationClosed 2006-03-01 Air bag warning lamp illumination
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2007-04-19Preliminary evaluationClosed 2007-08-15 Engine compartment fire
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2007-08-14Engineering analysisClosed 2008-08-13 Engine compartment fire
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2008-12-17Exterior lighting08E050000 K2 motor is recalling 1,921 aftermarket headlamps of various models sold for use on the above listed vehicles. These headlamps are missing the amber side reflex reflector which fails to conform…
Remedy: K2 motor will notify owners and offer a full refund. The recall began on decemeber 17, 2008. Owners may contact K2 motor at 1-909-839-2992.
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2009-07-28Exterior lighting09E025000 Dope, inc. Is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…
Remedy: Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009. Owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
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2011-05-04Engineering analysisClosed 2016-01-05 Loss of power steering assist
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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
2003 Mini Cooper — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Steering: 162 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 90 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 26 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 03V086000 · Suspension
- Recall 08E050000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 09E025000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 15V660000 · Steering
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2003 Mini Cooper reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Mini Cooper is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mini Cooper?
- The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 51% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2003 Mini Cooper have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.