2002 MINI Cooper S Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 11%of 83 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 67,537miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the electrical system of the 2002 MINI Cooper S, 11% of the 83 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 67,537 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 4 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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 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“After an apparent short out of the anti-lock braking system a fire occurred shortly after two to five minute later the car was completely engulfed in flames. Fifteen minutes later the car was completely gone, california highway patrol as well as keys city fire department both gave their conclusion of the car being absolutely totaled. Luckily I was able to get the car stopped and off to the side of the highway and was able to evacuate the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10425340, filed 2011-09, 67,537 miles“Loss of power when going 60 MPH in the high speed left lane of four lane highway. Car went into limp mode and unable to accelerate. Car would only go 5 to 10 MPH with large truck behind and bearing down on me. Eml and service engine lights on dash. Was able to pull into a construction lane that happened to be right there. Otherwise would have been unable to get car out of the way. Car needed to be towed. Fault codes list throttle body and wiring harness as problems and recommendation is to replace both. …”
NHTSA complaint #10442050, filed 2012-01, 86,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10162443Jul 12, 2019Programming 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…
- 10143579May 1, 2018NAVIGATION 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…
- 10059112Jul 1, 2015Mini: because of the dme software, and a damaged clutch, the drivetrain malfunction check message appear.
- 10059098Jul 1, 2015Mini: different faults activates engine malfunction and oil warning.
- 10059113Jun 1, 2015Mini: faulty software causes the check control and engine power reduced light to appear.
- 10059111Jun 1, 2015Mini: due to faulty dme software, the service engine lights comes on, including the check control message for motor force decrease.
- 10057710Nov 1, 2014Mini: models r50, r52, and r53 with the electro-hydraulic power-assist steering pump and cooling fans will have an limited warranty extension to 13 years/150,000 miles.
- 10055137Apr 15, 2014Mini: warranty coverage extension/repair expense reimbursement for the electro hydraulic power (assist) steering (ehps) pump, which has its own cooling fan, on some vehicles and…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 20% |
| 2019 | 2 | 40% |
| 2017 | 1 | 17% |
| 2016 | 2 | 20% |
| 2015 | 2 | 11% |
| 2013 | 9 | 38% |
| 2012 | 13 | 57% |
| 2011 | 16 | 52% |
| 2010 | 4 | 7% |
| 2009 | 13 | 11% |
| 2008 | 8 | 5% |
| 2007 | 13 | 5% |
| 2006 | 23 | 12% |
| 2005 | 23 | 7% |
| 2004 | 19 | 8% |
| 2003 | 14 | 6% |
| 2002 | 9 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2002 MINI Cooper S
57 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 MINI Cooper S
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology