NHTSA lists 187 complaints for the 2002 Mini Cooper, 4 of them mention a crash and 8 mention a fire. 5 complaints mention an injury, with 8 injuries and 0 deaths reported.
Data build 2026-10-07.
NHTSA lists this vehicle as MINI COOPER.
At a glance
Complaints
187
With crash
4
With fire
8
With injury (complaints)
5
Injuries
8
Deaths
0
Recalls
3
Do not drive recalls
0
Park outside recalls
0
Recall potential units (maximum)
86,018
Investigations
5
Open investigations
0
Manufacturer communications
45
Complaints per 100k sold unavailable. No sales source is available for this record.
Where the complaints are
Top systems
System
Complaints
Share of this vehicle's complaints
STEERING
61
32.6%
POWER TRAIN
43
23.0%
VISIBILITY
29
15.5%
AIR BAGS
26
13.9%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
13
7.0%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
11
5.9%
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
6
3.2%
SEATS
4
2.1%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3
1.6%
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
2
1.1%
Top subsystems
System
Subsystem
Complaints
VISIBILITY
WINDSHIELD
25
POWER TRAIN
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
18
POWER TRAIN
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
15
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ENGINE
4
STEERING
HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST
4
AIR BAGS
FRONTAL
3
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
DOORS
3
STEERING
HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
3
VISIBILITY
POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
3
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
EXHAUST SYSTEM
2
One complaint can name several systems, so shares can add to more than 100 percent.
Model-generated complaint tags: This model year has not been tagged.
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 MINI Cooper and Cooper S vehicles and 2005 Cooper and Cooper S Convertible vehicles. The affected vehicles may experience temporary or permanent loss of the electro-hydraulic steering assistance.
Consequence: If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: MINI will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the electro-hydraulic power steering system, replacing the components and wiring, as necessary, free of charge. Interim notices were mailed to owners on December 10, 2015. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
Defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, 'TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS.' THE STANDARD REQUIRES THAT THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE TIRE SIZE AND MAXIMUM TIRE PRESSURE BE INDICATED ON THE VEHICLE'S TIRE INFORMATION LABEL. THIS RELATIONSHIP IS NOT PRESENT.
Consequence: TOO LOW OR TOO HIGH TIRE PRESSURE CAN CAUSE PREMATURE WEAR AND/OR TIRE DAMAGE, AND COULD LEAD TO UNFAVORABLE DRIVING CONDITIONS.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH NEW TIRE INFORMATION PLACARDS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. AT THE CUSTOMER'S OPTION, A DEALER CAN PERFORM THE INSTALLATION FOR THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 30, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MINI AT 1-866-275-6464.
Defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE CONNECTS THE GEARSHIFT LEVER IN THE VEHICLE INTERIOR TO THE SHIFT LINKAGE ON THE TRANSMISSION. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE SHIFT CABLE TO DETACH FROM THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT LINKAGE WHILE THE DRIVER IS ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE GEARS. IF THE CABLE DETACHES FROM THE SHIFT LINKAGE, GEAR CHANGES WILL NO LONGER BE (excerpt)
Consequence: IF SHIFT CABLE DETACHMENT OCCURS AND THE TRANSMISSION REMAINS IN ANY FORWARD GEAR, THE VEHICLE CAN STILL BE DRIVEN IN THAT GEAR ONLY. HOWEVER, IF THE TRANSMISSION MOVES INTO NEUTRAL AND REMAINS THERE, THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE OR MAINTAIN SPEED WILL BE LOST, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. (excerpt)
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SHIFT CABLE AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL A RETAINING CLIP OVER THE END OF THE SHIFT CABLE TO PREVENT IT FROM DETACHING FROM THE TRANSMISSION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 6, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-866-ASK-MINI (1-866-2 (excerpt)
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Investigations
5 investigations; 0 open.
EA11005
Opened: 2011-05-04. Closed: 2016-01-05.
Loss of power steering assist
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) originally opened the investigation of loss of power steering assist in model year (MY) 2004 and 2005 Mini Cooper as Preliminary Evaluation PE10-038.The investigation was upgraded to Engineering Analysis EA11-005 in May, 2011.During EA11-005 the scope was expanded to include MY 2002 and 2003 vehicles that use the same steering system.The subject vehicles n
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) ANALYZED CONSUMER COMPLAINTS TO BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC (BMW)AND TO ODI THAT ALLEGED FAILURES OF THE ELECTROHYDRAULIC POWER STEERING (EHPS) USED IN MODEL YEAR 2002 THROUGH 2003 MINI COOPER VEHICLES.THE ANALYSIS DETERMINED THAT 43 OF THE 52 (83%) REPORTS WERE RELATED TO ALLEGATIONS OF POWER STEERING LOSS AND 9 (17%) WERE RELATED TO ALLEGATIONS OF ENGINE C
Systems: STEERING.
Linked campaign numbers: None listed.
PE07022
Opened: 2007-04-19. Closed: 2007-08-15.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE
IN RESPONSE TO AN INFORMATION REQUEST (IR) LETTER SENT BY THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI), BMW STATED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT IS AN INSUFFICIENT SEAL OF THE GROUND CABLE OF THE POWER STEERING PUMP AT ITS ATTACHMENT TO THE CHASSIS.WATER INGRESS CAN OCCUR AND THE WATER CAN TRAVEL ALONG THE POWER STEERING PUMP POWER CABLE AND COME IN CONTACT WITH THE POWER STEERING PUMP POWER C
Systems: STEERING.
Linked campaign numbers: None listed.
PE05053
Opened: 2005-09-27. Closed: 2006-03-01.
AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATION
IN MARCH 2006, BMW REISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN FIRST ISSUED IN SEPTEMBER 2003, TO MINI DEALERS REGARDING THE REPAIR PROCEDURE FOR IMPROPER WIRE CRIMPS IN APPROXIMATELY 31,500 MODEL YEAR 2002 AND 2003 MINI COOPER VEHICLES PRODUCED UP TO JANUARY 2003.THE NEW SERVICE BULLETIN STATES THAT THE WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE ISSUE (I.E., AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATION WITH FAULT CODE FOR HIGH RESISTANCE I
Systems: AIR BAGS.
Linked campaign numbers: None listed.
DP05006
Opened: 2005-09-19. Closed: 2005-10-06.
AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATION
ODI HAS GRANTED THE PETITION AND HAS OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE05-053) ON ILLUMINATION OF AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ON MODEL YEAR 2002 AND 2003 MINI COOPER VEHICLES.
Systems: AIR BAGS.
Linked campaign numbers: None listed.
Manufacturer communications
45 manufacturer communications.
Communications by system
System
Count
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
12
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
9
EQUIPMENT
8
STEERING
8
ENGINE
6
POWER TRAIN
5
STRUCTURE
3
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
1
10250378
Date: 2024-02-02. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EQUIPMENT.
The bar code on the vehicle identificatio nnumber (VIN) label (aka Manufacturer Compliance Label ) cannot be read.
10245428
Date: 2023-11-02. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STRUCTURE.
Cavity protection applied to underside of the hood is leaking out onto the wheel arch trim and grille.
10143574
Date: 2018-05-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.
W10 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 A Comprehensive ComponentA OBD readiness monitor status is A not complete,A or it fails complete after performing an applicable r
10151228
Date: 2016-03-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STEERING.
This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 32 02 14 dated August 2014. SUBJECT Installation of Right-Hand Drive Steering Spindle in Left-Hand Drive Vehicle is No Longer Required. Left-hand drive steering spindles are currently available.
10059098
Date: 2015-07-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE.
MINI: DIFFERENT FAULTS ACTIVATES ENGINE MALFUNCTION AND OIL WARNING. *MA
10059112
Date: 2015-07-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE.
MINI: BECAUSE OF THE DME SOFTWARE, AND A DAMAGED CLUTCH, THE DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION CHECK MESSAGE APPEAR. *MA
10059114
Date: 2015-07-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE.
MINI: FAULTY SOFTWARE FOR THE TANK VENTILATION CONTROL DISPLAYS ENGINE THROTTLE REACTION WHEN TEMPERATURE IS HIGH OUTSIDE, AND MORE OBVIOUS IF THE TANK IS ONLY PARTLY FILLED. *MA
10059094
Date: 2015-06-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE.
MINI: A MECHANICAL FAILURE AND DME SOFTWARE ERROR OF THE VANOS ACTUATORS CAUSE THE ENGINE TO RUN ROUGH WHICH ACTIVATES THE MALFUNCTION WARNING LIGHT. *MA
10059111
Date: 2015-06-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE.
MINI: DUE TO FAULTY DME SOFTWARE, THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHTS COMES ON, INCLUDING THE CHECK CONTROL MESSAGE FOR MOTOR FORCE DECREASE. *MA
10059113
Date: 2015-06-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE.
MINI: FAULTY SOFTWARE CAUSES THE CHECK CONTROL AND ENGINE POWER REDUCED LIGHT TO APPEAR. *MA
Notes on this record
Complaints from the API and bulk file are merged and deduplicated by ODI number; the API alone misses records.
System and subsystem counts are numbers of distinct complaints, recalls or communications that name them. One record can name several systems, so shares across systems can add to more than 100 percent; a single share never exceeds 100 percent.
Recalls are counted once per campaign, investigations once per action and manufacturer communications once per NHTSA id, even when NHTSA lists several model names for the same record.
A sales denominator is a calendar-year proxy, not the population of vehicles still in use. Rates are copied from verified pipeline output.