2003 MINI Cooper Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 1%of 320 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 68,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the seats of the 2003 MINI Cooper, 1% of the 320 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 68,000 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.
“Drain hose from sunroof drain running down a-pillar came dislodged through normal wear and tear causing massive flooding to the interior of my car. It was rendered unserviceable and totaled, on june 16, 2014, but uncovered by insurance. This was nothing that I was aware of that was an issue, nor were any recalls ever issued on this issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #10622422, filed 2014-08, 68,000 miles“Upon turning on my driver's side heated seat, one part of my back seemed to be getting extremely hot. Upon turning around, I saw a small hole had been burned in the seat cover and was smoldering and smoking. I immediately turned off the seat warmer. It took many minutes to cool down and stop smoking. Thankfully the vehicle was stationary when this happened. If it had been in motion, my safety would certainly have been comprised, as I could have sustained burns before pulling the car to the side of the road. The distraction of a burning seat is also not an insignificant safety hazard as well.”
NHTSA complaint #10436074, filed 2011-11, 121,000 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“i Purchased the car in Dover Pa . INspection sticker had same milage as on car so i shoulda knew he slapped a sticker on . drove 150 miles dash lit ip like chrismas tree. 1st thing left window wont work , then left lock wont work had to lock from passenfger dide. then door wont open at all . have to get ou t passenger door . know that wont open have to put down passenger window pull handel to get out . car is possessed light work whren they want does all kinda crazt stuff . batter has problems . charge and still cant start it . and hatch locks so i cant get to battery. …”
NHTSA complaint #11493892, filed 2022-11Seats: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 2 | 7% |
| 2016 | 1 | 4% |
| 2014 | 2 | 6% |
| 2013 | 2 | 4% |
| 2012 | 4 | 6% |
| 2011 | 4 | 5% |
| 2010 | 5 | 5% |
| 2009 | 4 | 3% |
| 2008 | 5 | 4% |
| 2007 | 8 | 7% |
| 2006 | 13 | 7% |
| 2005 | 7 | 2% |
| 2003 | 4 | 1% |
| 2002 | 4 | 2% |
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 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