2002 MINI Cooper S Problems
- Complaints
- 83filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 75,415miles, 73 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2002 MINI Cooper S (complaints, recalls, investigations). Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2002 MINI Cooper S report steering problems far more than anything else, most often a sudden loss of power assist that leaves the wheel very heavy to turn, sometimes intermittently. The same steering pump and its cooling fan come up repeatedly, including cases where the fan kept running after shutoff and drained the battery or affected the cooling fan. Other reports cover airbag warning lights tied to seat sensors, occasional stalling or reduced-power messages, and a few engine cooling and brake concerns.
- Steering
Sudden loss of power steering assist
- 44 complaints (53%)
- median 82,000 mi at 9.5 yrs old (41 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2006–2018
Owners describe the steering wheel becoming very heavy without warning, often at low speed in parking lots or in a turn, and sometimes at highway speed. Many say the assist returns after the car is shut off and restarted, then fails again later, while others were told by the dealer that the pump, the pump and its fan, or the steering column needed replacement. Several complaints mention that their vehicle was not included in a later steering recall and that they were quoted repair costs. Reported from about 40,000 to 150,000 miles, with many between roughly 50,000 and 100,000 miles; some owners describe it happening repeatedly over years.
Recall 15V6600006 related service bulletins
What to check: Ask whether the steering pump has ever been replaced and whether the vehicle was covered by the steering campaign; drive the car slowly in a lot and at speed to feel for heavy or intermittent assist, and listen for pump whine.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Power steering failed in the middle of driving nearly hit the outer barrier because of the amount of force required to move the steering wheel. I feel if my wife had been driving it would have been a major wreck. I did some research and found that this is a very prevalent problem with the Mini cooper. From my understanding canada has issued a recall on the power steering pumps. Would like to log a complaint to see if we can get Mini USA to take some action.”
NHTSA complaint #10500694, filed 2013-02, 135,000 miles“My 2002 Mini Cooper S had an incident approximately six months ago when I completely lost power steering while going a low rate of speed. I was able to muscle the steering for a couple of minutes until the power steering returned. This occurred once more but very briefly in front of my house some time later. I did not do anything about this problem either time but I saw a story in USA today on Mini steering problems (29 sept) and instantly recalled my problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10358906, filed 2010-10, 90,000 miles - Steering
Steering pump fan runs on, battery drain and wiring heat
- 12 complaints (14%)
- median 72,050 mi at 9.4 yrs old (12 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2007–2015
Complaints describe the power steering cooling fan continuing to run after the engine is switched off, sometimes until the battery is flat, and the pump staying active with the key out. Some owners report a burning smell, smoke from under the hood, or melted wiring harness insulation traced to the steering pump or its fan. Mostly reported between roughly 50,000 and 135,000 miles, often noticed after the car was parked.
Recall 15V6600004 related service bulletins
What to check: After a test drive, switch the car off and listen for the steering or cooling fan still running; inspect the pump wiring and fan connector for heat damage or a burnt smell.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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 of faulty manufacturing in regard to this part from bbc in uk, as well as on many forums, in particular north american motoring.”
NHTSA complaint #10432363, filed 2011-10, 82,000 miles“Took my car in for winding sound coming from motor. Diagnosed as the alternator...they replaced it and sound was still present ...misdiagnosed and was actually the supercharger, but while they were checking it out initially the power steering pump stayed on...which didn't happen to me until they had it. After changing the alternator power steering pump no longer stayed on per the dealer. Had it home 3 days to wake up one morning hearing the pump on and I go to start my car and in drained my battery. …”
NHTSA complaint #10204238, filed 2007-09, 85,000 miles - Air bags
Airbag warning light on (seat and harness sensors)
- 10 complaints (12%)
- median 90,000 mi at 9.0 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- filed 2007–2015
Owners report the airbag warning light staying on, sometimes after a seat cushion sensor fails, which some understand may affect passenger airbag operation. A few describe repairs that did not resolve the light, and others were told their vehicle was not part of a related recall. Reported from about 20,000 to 120,000 miles, in cars of varying age.
What to check: Turn the key to the run position and confirm the airbag light goes out; ask whether the seat sensor or wiring has been repaired.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“2002 Mini Cooper S model. Airbag light stays on. Has been repaired many times and still stays on, deactivating safety features of the restraint system. This appears to be a very common problem with the Mini. Bmw needs to issue a recall I feel for our safety...”
NHTSA complaint #10235446, filed 2008-07, 62,000 miles“Airbag light on. Continuously on. See NHTSA action pe05053 same issues as pe05053, but different cables and connectors in the same circuit are causing the same problem. Bmw is not covering these failures under warranty at this time. Entire circuit needs to be evaluated.”
NHTSA complaint #10328765, filed 2010-05, 119,000 miles - Engine cooling
Coolant expansion tank and cooling fan failures
- 7 complaints (8%)
- median 57,163 mi at 9.3 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2007–2018
Complaints describe repeated coolant expansion tank replacements and, in one case, a steering fan failure that stopped the radiator fan and led to overheating. Another owner links a steering pump failure with a coolant reservoir failure. Reported between about 43,000 and 65,000 miles.
What to check: Check the coolant level and look for cracks or leakage staining around the expansion tank; confirm the cooling fan runs when the engine is hot.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have a 2002 Mini Cooper S. The car?s engine cooling system has ongoing issues, particularly the coolant expansion tank. I have had to replace the coolant expansion tank three times within approximately 50,000 miles. This means my car is now on its fourth coolant expansion tank. …”
NHTSA complaint #10240672, filed 2008-09, 50,143 miles“Purchased this car used with low miles. Shortly after purchase I noticed the steering on my vehicle got a little harder to steer, didn't think to much about it. Then the radiator fan would not turn off when the vehicle was off. Took the car in to two different mechanics to find the problem. Found out it was the power steering pump went out causing the coolant reservoir to go out. This could cause extreme safety hazards when driving on the freeway and the steering freezes!! I contacted bmw after hearing there was a recall for this same problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #11120225, filed 2018-08, 60,000 miles
Buying note. Check the steering carefully on any 2002 Cooper S, since power-assist loss is the most common report for this year, and confirm whether the steering pump has been replaced or covered under the steering campaign. Verify the airbag light and any stored fault codes before purchase, and ask for records of coolant tank and cooling fan repairs.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 83 consumer complaints for the 2002 MINI Cooper S. 73 of the complaints include a mileage, and 21% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 75,415 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 5 a fire, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 37 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Steering57 69%
- Air bags13 16%
- Electrical system9 11%
- Engine cooling5 6.0%
- Brakes3 3.6%
- Seats3 3.6%
- Body and structure2 2.4%
- Engine1 1.2%
Also reported: Other or unknown (1), Seat belts (1), Transmission and drivetrain (1), Vehicle speed control (1).
Example complaints
Steering: “The VIN # of my 2002 Mini Cooper S was not included in the recall for the electrohydraulic steering failure of 2002 - 2005 Mini Cooper S but I am experiencing the exact issue outlined in this recall. The steering is incredibly hard to turn when parked, as well as while driving. I noticed that the recall had about 339 complaints and roughly 85,000 vehicles were recalled, so maybe at the time no one with a similar VIN as me complained.”
NHTSA complaint #11141804, filed 2018-10, 40,000 milesAir bags: “While on a short vacation out of town, close to 230 miles from my home, my Cooper S' power steering failed and almost cause me an accident. I immediately checked the fluid and saw that there were no visible leaks present. After making arrangements for a rental vehicle, I noticed that the power steering started working correctly again. Because of that I proceeded to return home and the steering did not fail for the remainder of the trip. During march of 2012, the power steering failed again, during a commute home from work on friday, may 3rd. …”
NHTSA complaint #10451071, filed 2012-03, 82,000 milesElectrical system: “Our Mini burned to the ground. It had only been driven 20 miles and was parked when it happened. After a forensic specialist was hired by the insurance company, it was determined that the ABS unit was at fault. In later models, the fuse was changed from a 30 amp to a 20 amp. No recall was ever issued and bmw/Mini never acknowledged a problem with the car. Since this happened, at least 10-15 other minis have burned. Our Mini was a total loss.”
NHTSA complaint #10184388, filed 2007-03, 61,000 milesEngine cooling: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #10203000, filed 2007-09, 35,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
21% of the 73 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 51,000 and 94,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Recalls and investigations
- 15V660000Oct 15, 2015Steering › Electric power assist systemCovers: MINI Cooper S 2002–2005, Cooper 2002–2005
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…
Recall details for the 2002 MINI Cooper S → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 37 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10250378Feb 2, 2024Equipment. The bar code on the vehicle identificatio nnumber (VIN) label (aka Manufacturer Compliance Label ) cannot be read.
- 10162443Jul 12, 2019Transmission and drivetrain, Engine, Electrical system. Programming a Replacement EGS Module with ISTA/P. Programming a replacement electronic transmission control module (EGS) with ISTA/P requires the manual entry of the correct target basic and…
- 10145311Jun 1, 2018Equipment. NAVIGATION SYSTEM HAS MISSING OR INCORRECT ROAD MAP DATA: The route guidance is inaccurate and therefore irritating to the customer; or it is not possible to locate certain addresses, for instance:
- 10143579May 1, 2018Electrical system, Equipment. NAVIGATION SYSTEM HAS MISSING OR INCORRECT ROAD MAP DATA: The route guidance is inaccurate and therefore irritating to the customer; or it is not possible to locate certain addresses, for instance:
- 10151228Mar 1, 2016Steering. This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 32 02 14 dated August 2014. SUBJECT Installation of Right-Hand Drive Steering Spindle in Left-Hand Drive Vehicle is No Longer Required. Left-hand…
- 10059112Jul 1, 2015Engine, Electrical system. Mini: because of the dme software, and a damaged clutch, the drivetrain malfunction check message appear.
- 10059098Jul 1, 2015Engine, Electrical system. Mini: different faults activates engine malfunction and oil warning.
- 10059113Jun 1, 2015Electrical system, Engine. Mini: faulty software causes the check control and engine power reduced light to appear.
- 10059111Jun 1, 2015Engine, Electrical system. Mini: due to faulty dme software, the service engine lights comes on, including the check control message for motor force decrease.
- 10059094Jun 1, 2015Engine. Mini: a mechanical failure and dme software error of the vanos actuators cause the engine to run rough which activates the malfunction warning light.
Other model years of the MINI Cooper S
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 5 | 4,714 | 2 | — | 30 | — | Not enough data |
| 2019 | 5 | 40,830 | 1 | — | 27 | — | Not enough data |
| 2017 | 6 | 17,200 | 3 | — | 27 | — | Not enough data |
| 2016 | 10 | 42,000 | 3 | 4 | 28 | — | Not enough data |
| 2015 | 18 | 33,810 | 4 | 4 | 28 | — | Rising |
| 2014 | 13 | 25,000 | 4 | — | 29 | — | Not enough data |
| 2013 | 24 | 49,400 | 1 | — | 29 | — | Rising |
| 2012 | 23 | 86,000 | 2 | — | 30 | — | Rising |
| 2011 | 31 | 65,008 | 3 | — | 30 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2010 | 59 | 62,635 | 4 | — | 29 | 47 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 119 | 52,062 | 3 | — | 29 | 53 · Typical | Rising |
| 2008 | 168 | 53,600 | 4 | — | 29 | 72 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 249 | 52,000 | 4 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2006 | 186 | 55,000 | 1 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 314 | 66,000 | 2 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 247 | 74,000 | 2 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 217 | 70,000 | 2 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 83 | 75,415 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
All MINI Cooper S model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2002 MINI Cooper S?
Owners of the 2002 MINI Cooper S report steering problems far more than anything else, most often a sudden loss of power assist that leaves the wheel very heavy to turn, sometimes intermittently. The issues reported most often: Sudden loss of power steering assist; Steering pump fan runs on, battery drain and wiring heat; Airbag warning light on (seat and harness sensors).
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002 MINI Cooper S have?
NHTSA recorded 83 consumer complaints for the 2002 MINI Cooper S as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2002 MINI Cooper S is reported most often?
Steering is named most often, in 57 complaints (69% of the total), followed by air bags with 13.
Has the 2002 MINI Cooper S been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 2002 MINI Cooper S reported?
Among the 73 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 75,415 miles and the middle half falls between 51,000 and 94,000 miles; 21% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.