2002 MINI Cooper S problems
Owners have filed 105 complaints about the 2002 MINI Cooper S with NHTSA. Steering accounts for 55.2% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of air bags at 14.3%.
Complaints105
Crashes4
Fires10
Injuries2
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Steering 55.2% · 58
Air bags 14.3% · 15
Electrical system 9.5% · 10
Engine and engine cooling 4.8% · 5
Service brakes, hydraulic 2.9% · 3
Seats 2.9% · 3
Visibility 1.9% · 2
Structure 1.9% · 2
Severity
Of those complaints, 4 describe a crash, 10 describe a fire and 2 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 8 model years of the MINI Cooper S in this data, 2002 draws comparatively few complaints; 2005 is the outlier year.
Filings have fallen off, 6 in the last three years against 12 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 78,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The new minis from bmw, ranging from 2002 - 2005, have chronic problems with the power steering failing while driving, making the cars suddenly impossible to steer. This is not an isolated problem. I've searched the web and found hundreds of people complaining about this very same thing. Here's a link to a bbc story about it. Http://www.Bbc.Co.Uk/blogs/watchdog/2009/02/mini_steering_system_failures.Html. Steering · reported at 8,400 miles
Power steering went out at highways speeds, after 3+ hours of driving. After cooling down for an hour, power steering came back, but only lasted 5 min., And was out for another day. Comes and goes, depending on how hot the weather/engine is, but stays out longer and only works for short periods of time now. Please issue a recall/extended warranty as canada has soon! Steering · reported at 93,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 MINI Cooper S. While driving at 45 mph, the contact noticed that the steering wheel suddenly became very difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the contact was informed that the power steering needed to be replaced. The current and failure mileages were approximately 90,000. Updated 09/24/10. *Lj updated 09/24/10 Steering · reported at 90,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…