2003 MINI Cooper S steering problems
Owners reported steering problems in 133 complaints for the 2003 MINI Cooper S, 52% of the complaints on file. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 133 52% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 80,000 miles 123 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 8 and 14
- Injuries and deaths
- 7 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When steering problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 3 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 9 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 21 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 26 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 26 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 19 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 11 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 6 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 1 |
| 200k+ miles | 1 |
What the data shows
Of the 123 steering complaints that report mileage, the median is about 80,000 miles, and 27% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 8 crashes, 14 fires, 7 injuries.
What owners wrote
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mini cooper s. While driving 40 MPH and attempting to make a turn, the power steering failed. As a result, the contact crashed into the rear of another vehicle. A police report was filed. The contact sustained contusions to the face and lost a tooth. The occupants of the other vehicle sustained unknown injuries. Medical attention was not required. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure.
I've been following blogs about mini coopers going on fire since I owned one, and I never thought it would happen to me. Well, I had just gotten back home from school when I smell something like wiring burning in my car, so I killed the engine and opened the hood. Power steering still running and smoking, so I called my dad to help me. He disconnected the battery and stopped the eps pump from being consumed on fire.
Other problems reported for the 2003 MINI Cooper S
- Wipers, windshield & visibility 33 complaints
- Engine 15 complaints