VehicleVerdict

2002 Mini Cooper problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 220 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.8 times the median Cooper year — the 2002 model ranks #5 of 26 Cooper years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 15 injuries in total across these filings.

Steering leads the complaint categories with 63 reports (29% of the total).

220

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

5

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

9

Fires reported

15

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Cooper years?

Cooper NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted440 complaints2001: 7 complaints2002: 220 complaints2003: 388 complaints2004: 330 complaints2005: 440 complaints2006: 247 complaints2007: 156 complaints2008: 155 complaints2009: 192 complaints2010: 142 complaints2011: 129 complaints2012: 96 complaints2013: 72 complaints2014: 45 complaints2015: 72 complaints2016: 43 complaints2017: 42 complaints2018: 10 complaints2019: 17 complaints2020: 11 complaints2021: 7 complaints2022: 7 complaints2023: 9 complaints2024: 1 complaints2025: 1 complaints2026: 2 complaints
Cooper NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cooper years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Mini Cooper problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering6329%
Transmission4520%
Visibility & Wipers2913%
Airbags2612%
Electrical System157%
Engine125%
Latches & Locks63%
Brakes42%
Other42%
Seats42%
Speed Control31%
Tires & Wheels21%
Lighting21%
Body & Structure21%
Suspension10%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%
Fuel System10%

Does the 2002 Mini Cooper have recalls?

5 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.

09E025000LightingMay 11, 2009 · 42,540 units

Defect

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 CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

08E050000LightingAugust 11, 2008 · 1,921 units

Defect

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 WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

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.

05V470000OtherOctober 12, 2005 · 960 units

Defect

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, 'TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS.' THE STANDARD REQUIRES THAT THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE TIRE SIZE AND MAXIMUM TIRE PRESSURE BE INDICATED ON THE VEHICLE'S TIRE INFORMATION LABEL. THIS RELATIONSHIP IS NOT PRESENT.

Consequence

TOO LOW OR TOO HIGH TIRE PRESSURE CAN CAUSE PREMATURE WEAR AND/OR TIRE DAMAGE, AND COULD LEAD TO UNFAVORABLE DRIVING CONDITIONS.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH NEW TIRE INFORMATION PLACARDS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. AT THE CUSTOMER'S OPTION, A DEALER CAN PERFORM THE INSTALLATION FOR THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 30, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MINI AT 1-866-275-6464.

02V201000TransmissionJuly 25, 2002 · 3,531 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE CONNECTS THE GEARSHIFT LEVER IN THE VEHICLE INTERIOR TO THE SHIFT LINKAGE ON THE TRANSMISSION. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE SHIFT CABLE TO DETACH FROM THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT LINKAGE WHILE THE DRIVER IS ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE GEARS. IF THE CABLE DETACHES FROM THE SHIFT LINKAGE, GEAR CHANGES WILL NO LONGER BE POSSIBLE AND THE TRANSMISSION WILL REMAIN IN THE LAST GEAR SELECTED.

Consequence

IF SHIFT CABLE DETACHMENT OCCURS AND THE TRANSMISSION REMAINS IN ANY FORWARD GEAR, THE VEHICLE CAN STILL BE DRIVEN IN THAT GEAR ONLY. HOWEVER, IF THE TRANSMISSION MOVES INTO NEUTRAL AND REMAINS THERE, THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE OR MAINTAIN SPEED WILL BE LOST, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SHIFT CABLE AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL A RETAINING CLIP OVER THE END OF THE SHIFT CABLE TO PREVENT IT FROM DETACHING FROM THE TRANSMISSION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 6, 2002. 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 1-866-ASK-MINI (1-866-275-6464).

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I WAS DRIVING THE CAR IN LACEY WA. SMOKE STARTED ISSUING FROM THE CAR. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT. I OPENED THE HOOD AND SMOKE WAS ISSUING FORTH. AFTER 5 MINUTES, I SPOTTED FLAMES. I HAD A SMALL FIRE EXTINGUISHER BUT IT WAS INSUFFICIENT TO PUT OUT THE FLAMES. A PASSING MOTORIST ARRIVED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 7, 2012 · fire

“I JUST FOUND THIS WEB SITE AND AFTER READING THROUGH THE VARIOUS ISSUES OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING WITH THEIR MINI, I DECIDED I SHOULD ALSO GO AHEAD AND SHARE MY ISSUES AS WELL. BACK IN APRIL OF 2004, I WAS HIT ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BY A HONDA ACCORD TRAVELING ABOUT 50 MILES AN HOUR AND MY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 27, 2004 · crash

“I HAVE A JULY 2002 BUILD, MINI COOPER S .TO DATE I HAVE HAD 6 WINDSHIELDS INSTALLED.MOST HAVE SUFFERED STRESS RELATED FAILURE,BUT 2 STARTED AS MINIMAL ROCK STRIKES ,WHICH LATER RESULTED IN LONG (10- 14 INCH) CRACKS.GLASS IS SUB-STANDARD,TOO THIN ,AND TOO SOFT.I DEFINATELY FEAR FOR MY SAFETY AS LONG…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · December 20, 2003

“I JUST FOUND THIS WEB SITE AND AFTER READING THROUGH THE VARIOUS ISSUES OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING WITH THEIR MINI, I DECIDED I SHOULD ALSO GO AHEAD AND SHARE MY ISSUES AS WELL. BACK IN APRIL OF 2004, I WAS HIT ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BY A HONDA ACCORD TRAVELING ABOUT 50 MILES AN HOUR AND MY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · April 27, 2004 · crash

“WENT OUT TO DINNER WITH MY PARENTS - GONE APPROXIMATELY 2 HOURS - CAME BACK TO FIND THE CAR COMPLETELY BURNED. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED BY A NEIGHBOR. THERE WAS NO INDICATION AT ALL THAT THERE WAS ANYTHING WRONG WHEN WE PARKED THE CAR. HAVE FOUND OTHER CASES (VIA THE INTERNET) IN THE UK THAT THIS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 20, 2005 · fire

2002 Mini Cooper — common questions

Is the 2002 Mini Cooper reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 220 complaints put the 2002 model at #5 of 26 Cooper years. It is one of the Cooper years to avoid.

What are the most common 2002 Cooper problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (63 complaints), transmission (45 complaints), visibility & wipers (29 complaints).

Does the 2002 Mini Cooper have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Mini Cooper. 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 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 5 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Mini Cooper years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Cooper years to avoid are 2005, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2002, 2009, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012. The cleanest record among Cooper years belongs to 2025.

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.