VehicleVerdict

2002 Mini Cooper steering problems

The 2002 Mini Cooper has 63 steering complaints filed with NHTSA — 29% of the year's total, and the first year with meaningful reports in this category.

63

Steering complaints

29%

Share of year

0

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Steering complaints by year

Cooper steering complaints by model year280 complaints2002: 63 complaints2003: 162 complaints2004: 247 complaints2005: 280 complaints2006: 53 complaints2007: 4 complaints2008: 4 complaints2009: 4 complaints2010: 1 complaints2011: 3 complaints2012: 1 complaints2013: 1 complaints2014: 2 complaints2015: 2 complaints2016: 1 complaints2017: 1 complaints2019: 4 complaints2020: 1 complaints2021: 1 complaints
Cooper steering complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

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.

What owners report

“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

Common questions

How many steering complaints does the 2002 Mini Cooper have?

NHTSA has 63 complaints about the 2002 Mini Cooper steering — 29% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2002 Mini Cooper steering?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the steering: 15V660000.

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.