2003 MINI Cooper problems
Owners have filed 388 complaints about the 2003 MINI Cooper with NHTSA. Steering accounts for 41.8% of them — the clear leader, ahead of power train at 23.2%.
Complaints388
Crashes3
Fires33
Injuries3
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Steering 41.8% · 162
Power train 23.2% · 90
Electrical system 6.7% · 26
Engine and engine cooling 5.9% · 23
Visibility 5.9% · 23
Air bags 2.8% · 11
Engine 1.8% · 7
Equipment 1.8% · 7
Severity
Of those complaints, 3 describe a crash, 33 describe a fire and 3 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 10 model years of the MINI Cooper in this data, 2003 ranks 2nd by complaint volume — 2005 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 6 in the last three years against 8 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 72,500 miles.
In owners' own words
2003 MINI Cooper. Power steering failed intermittently then completely. Steering failed but would restart after car was restarted. Steering shut off and came back on suddenly during a long sweeping curve causing a near loss of control. I think this is a very dangerous defect. Replace the pump with a rebuilt at my own expense since the car was bought used. Second pump has also failed after about a year. Steering · reported at 80,000 miles
I own a 2003 MINI Cooper automatic and I've already had to have the power steering pump and the cooling fan replaced twice, and now, only a year later after my 2nd replacement and a few thousand dollars later, it needs to be replaced for a third time. The care only has 80,000 miles on it. This is costly and a safety issue for drivers. I will never buy another car by MINI or bmw. Steering · reported at 81,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 MINI Cooper. The contact was driving approximately 55-60 mph when the power steering failed without warning and the steering wheel would not turn. The vehicle was not been inspected or repaired and the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The current and failure mileages were 82,500. Updated 06/13/11 *bf updated 2/15/2012 *ln Steering · reported at 82,500 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…