VehicleVerdict

2002 Mini Cooper S problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 105 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.4 times the median Cooper S year — the 2002 model ranks #8 of 22 Cooper S years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: steering issues account for 55% of all reports (58 of 105), far ahead of airbags at 15.

105

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

3

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

10

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Cooper S years?

Cooper S NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted383 complaints2002: 105 complaints2003: 258 complaints2004: 279 complaints2005: 383 complaints2006: 243 complaints2007: 300 complaints2008: 197 complaints2009: 151 complaints2010: 78 complaints2011: 46 complaints2012: 30 complaints2013: 32 complaints2014: 17 complaints2015: 20 complaints2016: 10 complaints2017: 8 complaints2019: 7 complaints2020: 8 complaints2021: 0 complaints2022: 1 complaints2024: 2 complaints2025: 6 complaints
Cooper S NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cooper S years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Mini Cooper S problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering5855%
Airbags1514%
Electrical System1010%
Engine66%
Seats33%
Brakes33%
Visibility & Wipers22%
Latches & Locks22%
Body & Structure22%
Seat Belts11%
Other11%
Transmission11%
Speed Control11%

Does the 2002 Mini Cooper S have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

15V660000SteeringOctober 15, 2015 · 86,018 units

Defect

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. The affected vehicles may experience temporary or permanent loss of the electro-hydraulic steering assistance.

Consequence

If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

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. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I WAS EXITING THE FREEWAY WHEN MY BATTERY INDICATOR LIGHT WENT ON; I LOST POWER STEERING AND SAW A LARGE AMOUNT OF SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE MINI DEALERSHIP HAS DETERMINED THAT THE POWER STEERING MODULE FAILED, AND SUBSEQUENTLY BURNED THE WIRING HARNESS. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL REPORTS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · September 28, 2011 · fire

“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. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY; HOWEVER, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · November 20, 2015 · crash

“I WAS EXITING THE FREEWAY WHEN MY BATTERY INDICATOR LIGHT WENT ON; I LOST POWER STEERING AND SAW A LARGE AMOUNT OF SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE MINI DEALERSHIP HAS DETERMINED THAT THE POWER STEERING MODULE FAILED, AND SUBSEQUENTLY BURNED THE WIRING HARNESS. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL REPORTS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 28, 2011 · fire

“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. I'M NOT TOO WORRIED ABOUT ME, BUT I HAVE SMALL KIDS AND I WORRY ABOUT THEM. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 1, 2004

“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. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · October 18, 2013 · fire

2002 Mini Cooper S — common questions

Is the 2002 Mini Cooper S reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 105 complaints put the 2002 model at #8 of 22 Cooper S years. It is one of the Cooper S years to avoid.

What are the most common 2002 Cooper S problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (58 complaints), airbags (15 complaints), electrical system (10 complaints).

Does the 2002 Mini Cooper S have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2002 Mini Cooper S. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2002 Mini Cooper S under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Mini Cooper S years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Cooper S years to avoid are 2005, 2007, 2004, 2003, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2002, 2010. The cleanest record among Cooper S years belongs to 2021.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.