VehicleVerdict

2003 Mini Cooper S problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 258 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 8.3 times the median Cooper S year — the 2003 model ranks #4 of 22 Cooper S years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 11 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: steering issues account for 52% of all reports (133 of 258), far ahead of visibility & wipers at 33.

258

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

5

Investigations

16

Crash-involved

28

Fires reported

11

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other Cooper S years?

Cooper S NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 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, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cooper S years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Mini Cooper S problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering13352%
Visibility & Wipers3313%
Electrical System177%
Engine156%
Brakes83%
Transmission83%
Suspension83%
Airbags73%
Tires & Wheels73%
Body & Structure62%
Speed Control52%
Other42%
Fuel System21%
Lighting10%
Seats10%
Latches & Locks10%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%
Seat Belts10%

Does the 2003 Mini Cooper S have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns 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.

03V086000SuspensionMarch 10, 2003 · 5,110 units

Defect

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 STILL HOLD THE STRUT IN PLACE.

Consequence

IF LEFT UNATTENDED OVER A PERIOD OF TIME, AND DEPENDING ON DRIVING CONDITIONS, THE REMAINING PORTION OF THE SCREW MAY BREAK. IF IT BROKE, THE CHASSIS WOULD LEAN DIRECTLY ON THE TIRE DIMINISHING THE DRIVER'S ABILITY TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

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 AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“POWER STEERING PUMP FAILURE. THE FAILURE HAPPENED ON A SNOW COVERED CURVY ROAD, LOST CONTROL AND WENT INTO THE DITCH. NO DAMAGE, WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR SLOWED ENOUGH BEFORE CRASHING. THANKFUL NO OTHER CARS WERE IN THE OTHER LANE. WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR OUT UNDER ITS OWN POWER. WILL NOT DRIVE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · February 20, 2011 · crash

“BMW MINI COOPERS HAVE DEFECTIVE WINDSHIELDS THAT CRACK REPEATEDLY WITHOUT ANY TYPE OF IMPACT. THE GLASS CRACKS DUE TO STRESS OR TEMP. CHANGES. NOT RELATED TO STONE IMPACTS. CHECK OUT THE WINDSHIELD CRACKING THREAD ON THE MINI2.COM WEB SITE. WE ARE ON OUR 2ND WINDSHIELD IN TWO WEEKS. BMW IS COVERING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · April 2, 2004

“2003 MINI COOPER S WITH LOW 70 THOUSAND MILES COUGH FIRE ON JANUARY 31 2011 AROUND 4 AM IN THE MORNING. IT WAS SEEN TO START ON THE PASSENGER SIDE UNDER AIRBAG AND CAR WAS COMPLETELY ON FIRE THE FRONT END UNDER THE HOOD AND UNDER PASSENGER DASH WAS TOLD FAILURE WAS ABS ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 31, 2011 · fire

“2003 MINI COOPER S WITH POWER STEERING FAILURE. POWER STEERING GOES IN AND OUT. CAR RADIO TURNS ON WHEN CAR IS OFF AND NO KEY IS IN THE ENGINE, CAUSING BATTERY TO DRAIN. ONCE MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT WHEN I WAS LEAVING A PARKING AREA CAUSING ME TO HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I HAVE NOT REPAIRED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 24, 2009 · crash

“2003 MINI COOPER S WITH LOW 70 THOUSAND MILES COUGH FIRE ON JANUARY 31 2011 AROUND 4 AM IN THE MORNING. IT WAS SEEN TO START ON THE PASSENGER SIDE UNDER AIRBAG AND CAR WAS COMPLETELY ON FIRE THE FRONT END UNDER THE HOOD AND UNDER PASSENGER DASH WAS TOLD FAILURE WAS ABS ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 31, 2011 · fire

2003 Mini Cooper S — common questions

Is the 2003 Mini Cooper S reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 258 complaints put the 2003 model at #4 of 22 Cooper S years. It is one of the Cooper S years to avoid.

What are the most common 2003 Cooper S problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (133 complaints), visibility & wipers (33 complaints), electrical system (17 complaints).

Does the 2003 Mini Cooper S have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 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 2003 Mini Cooper S under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 5 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.