2003 MINI Cooper transmission problems

59 complaints about transmission have been filed for the 2003 MINI Cooper, which is 15% of all its NHTSA complaints. It is the 2nd most reported problem area for this model year.

Complaints: 59 15% of this year's complaints
Typical mileage: 75,000 miles 55 complaints with mileage
Crashes and fires: 0 and 0
Injuries and deaths: 0 and 0

Source: NHTSA owner complaints

When transmission problems show up

Based on 55 complaints that include mileage. 27% were reported before 60,000 miles. The amber marker shows the median: half of these complaints happened before that mileage.

View the numbers

Mileage	Complaints
0k to 20k miles	0
20k to 40k miles	4
40k to 60k miles	11
60k to 80k miles	21
80k to 100k miles	12
100k to 120k miles	6
120k to 140k miles	1
140k to 160k miles	0
160k to 180k miles	0
180k to 200k miles	0
200k+ miles	0

What the data shows

Of the 55 transmission complaints that report mileage, the median is about 74,000 miles, and 27% were reported before 60,000 miles.

None of the transmission complaints mention a crash, fire, injury or death.

What owners wrote

2003 mini cooper CVT transmission died @ 83000 miles. I purchased vehicle from northwest mini in tacoma, wa on 10-18-05 with 49000 miles and one year later the tranny is toast. Nw mini wants $7200 to replace with same 'questionable CVT transmission'. Ironic that mini has abandoned the CVT transmission for the 2007 models...they know it's a dog. I'm stuck, with many others, holding the bill!

Reported at 83,000 miles, November 2006

2003 mini cooper transmission failed while driving on highway. Car just stopped while going 60 MPH. Manufacturer/dealer would not cover repairs (85,000 miles out of warranty). Estimate to replace: $9,000. Sold car as is at auction.

Reported at 86,000 miles, October 2008

Transmission problems in other years

2027
2026
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
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2003
2002