2003 MINI Cooper Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 7%of 320 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 10,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 MINI Cooper, 7% of the 320 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 10,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I own a 2003 Mini Cooper automatic and I've already had to have the power steering pump and the cooling fan replaced twice, and now, only a year later after my 2nd replacement and a few thousand dollars later, it needs to be replaced for a third time. The care only has 80,000 miles on it. This is costly and a safety issue for drivers. I will never buy another car by Mini or bmw.”
NHTSA complaint #10418621, filed 2011-08, 81,000 miles“While driving on a low speed, stop and go traffic in the freeway the car suddenly stalled and I was stopped in the first lane of the freeway. I tried to re-start the engine several times with no sucess, after waiting a few minutes the engine started. I was very lucky that the SUV driving behind was able to stop but not before hitting my bumper. This is the second time it happened, the first time it happened I was in the middle of the street and had the car towed but the engine started as soon as I got to the dealer and they told me that they could only check when the the cars is stalled. …”
NHTSA complaint #10047703, filed 2003-11, 1,800 miles“After the 10,000 mile oil change was performed, the vehicle failed to start on the first attempt, it idled rough and sometimes stalled when stopped at a traffic light without warning. The dealership has reprogrammed the computer, drained the fuel and put in other grade of fuel. After numerous attempts, the fuel pump and injectors were replaced but remained to lose fuel pressure overnight.”
NHTSA complaint #10092399, filed 2004-11, 10,000 miles“My 2003 Mini Cooper has almost caught on fire several times, replaced transmission, electrical harness, power steering pump, A/C hoses and A/C service, wheel bearings, injection plugs etc....... …”
NHTSA complaint #10367312, filed 2010-11, 48,000 miles“Mini Cooper 2003 CVT stalls in slow traffic or starting from stop light. The check engine light goes on; however, the engine shuts off. In addition, it has happened twice in a month considering that the vehicle is only a month old. Also, the CVT transmission is very jerky and could surge on an occasional basis. Informed that it's a software problem and no repair is needed at this point. I think it is a serious safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10041330, filed 2003-10, 4,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10143574May 1, 2018W10 ENGINE: EMS2K - COMPREHENSIVE COMPONENT OBD READINESS MONITOR NOT COMPLETED: An affected vehicle fails to pass a state Inspection and Emission (I/M) test due to the…
- 10057570Dec 1, 2014Mini: some vehicles have turbocharger noise and a lack or loss of performance, due to restriction of turbocharger oil supply, resulting in oil starvation and seizing of…
- 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.
- 10150204Nov 1, 2013State Inspection and Emission (I/M) Test Fails Due to an Invalid VIN Number. The affected vehicle may fail to pass a State Inspection and Emission (I/M) test due to a…
- 10150304Oct 1, 2013State Inspection and Emission (I/M) Test Fails to Read 17-Character VIN. An affected vehicle may fail to pass a state-mandated Inspection and/or Emission (I/M) test due to a…
- 10040372May 1, 2011Bmw: the crimping process of the oxygen sensor could lead to an electrical failure inside the sensor. There may be a malfunction light on with a fault code stored.
- 10037305Nov 1, 2010Bmw: description and specifications of crankcase ventilation system.
- 10030668Apr 1, 2009Mini: due to a failure in the production process,the catalytic converter may deteriorate causing an increased level of vehicle emissions. The catalyst efficiency fault code…
- 10032985Dec 1, 2007Mini: electric cooling fan runs after engine is shut off. After the engine is shut off, the electric cooling fan continues to run. Due to the operating strategy of the dme, the…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 1 | 2% |
| 2014 | 2 | 6% |
| 2012 | 1 | 2% |
| 2011 | 5 | 6% |
| 2010 | 8 | 9% |
| 2009 | 4 | 3% |
| 2008 | 13 | 11% |
| 2007 | 11 | 9% |
| 2006 | 9 | 5% |
| 2005 | 8 | 2% |
| 2004 | 6 | 2% |
| 2003 | 22 | 7% |
| 2002 | 11 | 6% |
| 2001 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2003 MINI Cooper
159 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
89 complaintsElectrical system
26 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
25 complaintsAir bags
10 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 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