2003 MINI Cooper steering problems
Owners reported steering problems in 162 complaints for the 2003 MINI Cooper, 42% of the complaints on file. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 162 42% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 80,000 miles 152 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 0 and 21
- Injuries and deaths
- 1 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When steering problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 1 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 4 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 28 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 40 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 30 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 21 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 17 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 5 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 3 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 2 |
| 200k+ miles | 1 |
What the data shows
Of the 152 steering complaints that report mileage, the median is about 80,000 miles, and 22% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 21 fires, 1 injury.
What owners wrote
Driving normally, noticed that the power steering was not working. The car was very difficult to steer. Parked car and noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment. Looked under hood, noticed smoke getting worse, so I drove the car up to street level from garage. Looked under hood and there was a small fire starting at the lower rear of the engine. I was able to use fire extinguishers to put out the fire just as the fire department arrived. Had car towed to the dealer.
Parked my 2003 mini cooper on the street. Smoke started billowing out of the engine. Popped the hood and saw the smoking continuously emanating from the engine compartment. Had the car towed to the mini dealership in princeton. They told me that the power steering pump failed; that it leaked and melted the engine harness and power supply cable and power steering fan connectors. Also, the main coolant fan was not functioning properly; and there was another leak in my valve cover gasket.
Other problems reported for the 2003 MINI Cooper
- Transmission 59 complaints
- Drivetrain & axles 31 complaints
- Engine 27 complaints
- Electrical system 26 complaints
- Wipers, windshield & visibility 25 complaints