2003 MINI Cooper Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 3%of 320 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 62,200miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the air bags of the 2003 MINI Cooper, 3% of the 320 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 62,200 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“The warning for th epassenger airbag comes on, though apparently nothing is wromg with it. It seems to be a commmon problem that Mini is aware off, puts people in danger, but doesnt do anything to fix the harness underneath the passenger seat, which they quote at 1200 to 1400 to repair their ill design and final product”
NHTSA complaint #11207054, filed 2019-05, 89,000 miles“The dashboard airbag warning lamp is always illuminated. The dealer wants thousands to fix this problem even though other model years have been recalled. We don't know if the airbag will operate correctly in an emergency.”
NHTSA complaint #10711866, filed 2015-04, 65,000 miles“- the contact's vehicle was involved in a crash on 12-28-06 while driving at 55 MPH, and the air bags did not deploy. The contact's vehicle was hit on the driver's side, the car then spun, and hit the guard rail head on and went into the left lane. . The contact has pictures and a police report. The contact stated that injuries were sustained during the crash because the air bags did not deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #10177779, filed 2007-01, 41,500 miles“Air bag check light is on. No air bag was deployed, no crash was involved. This is on going problem with the Mini Cooper which should have a recall. If not repaired air bag may not deploy in a crash.”
NHTSA complaint #10247321, filed 2008-10, 82,000 miles“This car is less than a year old. So far the air bag indicator light malfunctioned, the radio was replaced, the passenger window motor was replaced, the navigation system display is about to be replaced, and two red marks on the takometer no longer light up.”
NHTSA complaint #10054554, filed 2004-01, 75 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10043927Mar 1, 2012Bmw mini: airbag warning light is on: mrs fc 02, 03, 05, 06.
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 17% |
| 2021 | 1 | 14% |
| 2020 | 3 | 43% |
| 2018 | 2 | 25% |
| 2017 | 3 | 11% |
| 2016 | 2 | 7% |
| 2015 | 1 | 2% |
| 2014 | 3 | 9% |
| 2013 | 12 | 26% |
| 2012 | 12 | 18% |
| 2011 | 18 | 22% |
| 2010 | 21 | 23% |
| 2009 | 62 | 41% |
| 2008 | 41 | 35% |
| 2007 | 47 | 40% |
| 2006 | 111 | 56% |
| 2005 | 41 | 11% |
| 2003 | 10 | 3% |
| 2002 | 26 | 14% |
Other parts of the 2003 MINI Cooper
159 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
89 complaintsElectrical system
26 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
25 complaintsEngine cooling
22 complaintsEngine
7 complaintsEquipment
7 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsTires
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 MINI Cooper
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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