repaired · 2017 Q2
Steering: electric power assist system
Risk. 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…
2002 MINI Cooper SProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 83 owner complaints about the 2002 MINI Cooper S, most often about the steering. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 15V-660 the manufacturer reports only 31% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 21, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2002 MINI Cooper S has problems
83 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
57Steering4 crash/fire/injury
13Air bags2 crash/fire/injury
9Electrical system5 crash/fire/injury
5Engine and engine cooling
3Seats
3Service brakes, hydraulic
2Visibility
2Latches/locks/linkages
2Structure
44 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 57 | 4 |
| Air bags | 13 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 9 | 5 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 5 | 1 |
| Seats | 3 | 1 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 3 | 2 |
| Visibility | 2 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 2 | 0 |
| Structure | 2 | 0 |
| 4 other systems | 4 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2002 MINI Cooper S recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with MINI.
Mileage at failure
When do steering problems start?
84kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 51 steering complaints. 75% were reported before 100,000 miles.
2under 30k miles38under 100k miles13100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2002 vs. every other Cooper S year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Cooper S median. How we score
'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'19'20'21'22'24'25
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
3 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2002 MINI Cooper S, and the recalls they led to.
- ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRENo recall
- Loss of power steering assistLed to recall 15V-660
- ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRENo recall
In owners' words
What Cooper S owners report
Recent steering complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2002 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45-55 MPH, the steering wheel seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road. The contact restarted the vehicle and continued driving normally. The vehicle was…
THE VIN # OF MY 2002 MINI COOPER S WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL FOR THE ELECTROHYDRAULIC STEERING FAILURE OF 2002 - 2005 MINI COOPER S BUT I AM EXPERIENCING THE EXACT ISSUE OUTLINED IN THIS RECALL. THE STEERING IS INCREDIBLY HARD TO TURN WHEN PARKED, AS WELL AS WHILE DRIVING. I NOTICED THAT THE…
PURCHASED THIS CAR USED WITH LOW MILES. SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE I NOTICED THE STEERING ON MY VEHICLE GOT A LITTLE HARDER TO STEER, DIDN'T THINK TO MUCH ABOUT IT. THEN THE RADIATOR FAN WOULD NOT TURN OFF WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS OFF. TOOK THE CAR IN TO TWO DIFFERENT MECHANICS TO FIND THE PROBLEM. FOUND…
Own a 2002 Cooper S?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.