2002 MINI Cooper Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 7%of 187 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the electrical system of the 2002 MINI Cooper, 7% of the 187 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,500 miles. 3 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 have a 2002 Mini Cooper with 52k miles, the transmission has went out twice in the past 2 years the first time at 31k miles. The clutch has also went out as well as the sunroof motor, left front brake caliper, windshield wiper motor with a host of sensors, gauges etc... Parts are impossible to get and service on a 24k car (when new) is as much as my 70k bmw 7 series.”
NHTSA complaint #10213520, filed 2008-01, 56,344 miles“After a short trip, I had just parked the Mini. Fortunately, it was outdoors and within 50ft of my tool chest. On turning off the ignition and removing the key, I noticed an unusual noise; the [electric] power steering pump continued to run. A few seconds later, smoke appeared. I raced to my tool drawer, grabbing the first suitable tool, channel lock pliers, and proceeded to hastily disconnect one of the battery terminals. Smoke was heavy at that point. …”
NHTSA complaint #10504501, filed 2013-03, 123,400 miles“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 has happened.”
NHTSA complaint #10112343, filed 2005-03, 61,000 miles“I was driving my 2002 Mini Cooper. I had driven 1/4 mile and thought I heard something crack or spark under the dashboard on the passenger side of the vehicle. Then I saw smoke, pulled over, got out, and the whole car went up in flames.”
NHTSA complaint #10215373, filed 2008-01, 42,000 miles“Purchased a used 2002 Mini Cooper about 3 1/2 yrs ago w/ about 12k miles. At around 15-17k miles the transmission basically exploded while I was on the highway. I was told that there was a crack in the transmission. Mini replaced it with I'm guessing a rebuilt transmission. At the time of the repair I asked them if they were putting in a new clutch and they said no, which I found strange. Now at 60k miles the clutch is basically done. When the car is cold it shifts pretty normally, but after 15-25 minutes of driving the first two gears become hard to engage and they slip. …”
NHTSA complaint #10252644, filed 2008-12, 60,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10059114Jul 1, 2015Mini: faulty software for the tank ventilation control displays engine throttle reaction when temperature is high outside, and more obvious if the tank is only partly filled.
- 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…
- 10040855Jul 1, 2011Bmw: a software error is causing a hesitation or jerking when accelerating under higher loads between 3000 ¿ 4000 rpm.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 14% |
| 2021 | 3 | 43% |
| 2020 | 2 | 29% |
| 2019 | 2 | 17% |
| 2018 | 2 | 25% |
| 2017 | 5 | 18% |
| 2016 | 8 | 29% |
| 2015 | 10 | 18% |
| 2014 | 8 | 24% |
| 2013 | 19 | 40% |
| 2012 | 28 | 42% |
| 2011 | 37 | 45% |
| 2010 | 29 | 32% |
| 2009 | 25 | 17% |
| 2008 | 11 | 9% |
| 2007 | 27 | 23% |
| 2006 | 10 | 5% |
| 2005 | 30 | 8% |
| 2004 | 15 | 5% |
| 2003 | 26 | 8% |
| 2002 | 13 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2002 MINI Cooper
61 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
43 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
29 complaintsAir bags
26 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
6 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 MINI Cooper
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