2003 MINI Cooper Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 1%of 320 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 270,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the fuel system of the 2003 MINI Cooper, 1% of the 320 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 270,000 miles. 1 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.
“The contact owns a 2003 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that the fuel cap would not properly seal and was causing the check engine warning light to illuminate. The vehicle was inspected by the dealer and they advised her that the fuel cap, fuel tank nozzle, hose and connector would need replacing. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 270,000. The VIN was unavailable. Updated 08/08/11 updated 3/02/2012”
NHTSA complaint #10407748, filed 2011-06, 270,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10028785Feb 1, 2009Mini: service engine soon or check gas cap warning is illuminated: tank leakage. Leakage is detected in the tank ventilation or evaporative system.
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 14% |
| 2020 | 1 | 14% |
| 2017 | 2 | 7% |
| 2016 | 1 | 4% |
| 2015 | 11 | 20% |
| 2014 | 2 | 6% |
| 2013 | 5 | 11% |
| 2012 | 4 | 6% |
| 2011 | 7 | 8% |
| 2010 | 2 | 2% |
| 2009 | 6 | 4% |
| 2008 | 3 | 3% |
| 2007 | 6 | 5% |
| 2005 | 1 | 0% |
| 2004 | 2 | 1% |
| 2003 | 3 | 1% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2003 MINI Cooper
159 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
89 complaintsElectrical system
26 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
25 complaintsEngine cooling
22 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsEngine
7 complaintsEquipment
7 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsSeats
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 MINI Cooper
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