2003 MINI Cooper Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 1%of 320 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 2003 MINI Cooper, 1% of the 320 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,000 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 driver's side door latch does not open the door. I am unable to exit my car without unlocking the doors from the central panel, rolling down the driver's side window and opening the door from the outside. This is clearly not a best practice in an emergency situation. I have seen multiple complaints about this issue which I would like Mini to recognize as dangerous. If it is just a cable inside the door that is needed, the total cost for repair will be $233.00 (the part is $17.00 the rest is for labor).”
NHTSA complaint #10430651, filed 2011-10, 50,000 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 milesRelated 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 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