2003 MINI Cooper S Tires Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 3%of 217 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 30,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the tires of the 2003 MINI Cooper S, 3% of the 217 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 30,000 miles.
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.
“The contact owns a 2003 Mini Cooper S equipped with Falken Tires, Tire Line: Sincera SN250 A/S, Tire Size: 235/45R17, DOT Number: FMHR3120. The contact stated that while washing the vehicle, he noticed that a bubble had developed on the front driver’s side tire. The contact was concerned for his safety while driving the vehicle. The contact stated that he rotated the tire to the rear driver’s side but was concerned and uncertain if the bubble might cause a risk to his safety while driving. The vehicle had not yet been diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #11541298, filed 2023-08, 101,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Mini Cooper S. While the contact's wife was driving 60 MPH, the wheel and tire detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and has not been diagnosed at this time. The contact was informed that the cost for the repair would range from $3,000 - $5,000. The affected components were the steering, brakes, suspension, and shocks. A police report was filed and the contact has pictures available. The VIN was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 30,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10235781, filed 2008-07, 30,000 miles“While traveling about 60mph on highway, consumer heard a noise from the right rear tire. He was able to pull over to the shoulders. Tire tread separated from the outiside wheel. Firestone, p22575r16 steeltex. Consumer stated that the separated tread was wrapped around tailpipe and damaged wheel well.”
NHTSA complaint #8017622, filed 2002-08“Pe00 020; consumer was traveling about 65mph on highway and heard a noise. She was able to pull over onto the shoulder, and noticed that right rear tire tread had began to separate. Tire was a firestone steeltex, r4s #lt 225/7516m/s. There was no accident. Dot#vd1l1xd298.”
NHTSA complaint #875266, filed 2000-11“At 65mph rear driver's side tire tread started to separate causing a blowout out. This could have caused a vehicle crash. Size 22517r16, DOT unknown. The DOT of the tire is vd1l1xd with a date code of 368. Consumer requests reimbursement.”
NHTSA complaint #8014116, filed 2002-07Related service bulletins
- 10019988Apr 1, 2006Nitrogen inflated tires.
Tires: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 MINI Cooper S
129 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
33 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsEngine cooling
10 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsSuspension
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsAir bags
7 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 MINI Cooper S
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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