2002 MINI Cooper Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 3%of 187 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 35,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 2002 MINI Cooper, 3% of the 187 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 35,000 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 2002 Mini Cooper. The driver and passenger doors would not open if the vehicle was locked with the remote. The dealer was called and an estimate for the repair was given over the phone. The component that needed to be replaced was unknown. The current and failure mileage were 18,500.”
NHTSA complaint #10188250, filed 2007-04, 18,500 miles“1. Interior door latch mechanism inoperable in freezing conditions - will not release (unable to exit car) - was able to enter car - closed door - could not exit. Bad situation as power windows were also frozen shut. 2. Windshield cracks (2nd windshield - see other threads on this known failure) - occurred while backing out of drive on public street - started at base of windshield drivers side-up 6 -then sharply right-across windshield to passenger a pillar.”
NHTSA complaint #10056319, filed 2004-02, 35,000 miles“The contact owns a 2002 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that the headlights and cabin lights would remain illuminated after the vehicle was shut off. In addition, the contact stated that he would often become locked inside or outside of the vehicle intermittently. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer and they advised him that the control module would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10398001, filed 2011-04, 60,000 miles“The consumer accidentally locked the vehicle with the remote key while occupants were still in the vehicle. The occupants could not manually unlock any of the doors to get out of the vehicle. The dealer said there was not a remedy for this problem. Please provide further details.”
NHTSA complaint #10055864, filed 2004-01“Dt: the contact noticed that if using the remote to lock the doors and if anyone was inside the vehicle they were unable to get out of the vehicle. The handles nor the door lock will unlock the door. Consumer has to use the remote. The contact felt that this was some type of computer defect. He took the vehicle to the dealer and demonstrated to them the problem, and they agreed with the consumer that this was a safety defect. Dealership contacted the manufacturer, and they said that there was nothing they could do about this was just the way the car was manufactured.”
NHTSA complaint #10124636, filed 2005-06Related service bulletins
- 10043725Jan 1, 2012Mini: after drive-away locking activates, it is not possible to unlock the boot.
Latches, locks and linkages: other model years
Other parts of the 2002 MINI Cooper
61 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
43 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
29 complaintsAir bags
26 complaintsElectrical system
13 complaintsEngine cooling
11 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