KnownCarProblems2002 Mini Cooper S Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 83 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 Mini Cooper S, most often about the steering (69% of complaints, typically around 82,000 miles). It is 8th of 21 Cooper S model years by number of complaints and has 1 recall.
Most common 2002 Mini Cooper S problems
Steering
57 complaints · 69%Half of these problems showed up before 82,000 miles. Parts named most often: hydraulic power assist, hydraulic power assist system, column.
I was exiting the freeway when my battery indicator light went on; I lost power steering and saw a large amount of smoke coming from under the hood. The Mini dealership has determined that the power steering module failed, and subsequently burned the wiring harness. There have been several reports of faulty…
While on a short vacation out of town, close to 230 miles from my home, my Cooper S' power steering failed and almost cause me an accident. I immediately checked the fluid and saw that there were no visible leaks present. After making arrangements for a rental vehicle, I noticed that the power steering started working…
Air bags
13 complaints · 16%Half of these problems showed up before 91,000 miles. Parts named most often: side/window, frontal.
The airbag sensor in the seat cushion has failed and a warning light now permanently shows on the instrument panel. The passenger airbag may not function as designed. Updated 11/25/15 updated 2/5/2016 updated 11/07/2017
While on a short vacation out of town, close to 230 miles from my home, my Cooper S' power steering failed and almost cause me an accident. I immediately checked the fluid and saw that there were no visible leaks present. After making arrangements for a rental vehicle, I noticed that the power steering started working…
Electrical
9 complaints · 11%Half of these problems showed up before 67,500 miles. Parts named most often: wiring, alternator/generator/regulator, 12v/24v/48v battery.
After an apparent short out of the anti-lock braking system a fire occurred shortly after two to five minute later the car was completely engulfed in flames. Fifteen minutes later the car was completely gone, california highway patrol as well as keys city fire department both gave their conclusion of the car being…
Our Mini burned to the ground. It had only been driven 20 miles and was parked when it happened. After a forensic specialist was hired by the insurance company, it was determined that the ABS unit was at fault. In later models, the fuse was changed from a 30 amp to a 20 amp. No recall was ever issued and bmw/Mini…
Engine
6 complaints · 7%Half of these problems showed up before 50,000 miles. Parts named most often: cooling system, exhaust system, engine.
On 13 june 2011 a power steering fan shorted on my dauhters 2002 Mini Cooper S causing the radiator fan to stop. This caused the car to overheat. On 14 june 2011 car was repaired by a Mini cooper dealer after being towed. Parts replaced are fan housing with fan, fan with protecting grille, wiring set for power supply…
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 out it was the power…
Brakes
3 complaints · 4%Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, foundation components.
Our Mini burned to the ground. It had only been driven 20 miles and was parked when it happened. After a forensic specialist was hired by the insurance company, it was determined that the ABS unit was at fault. In later models, the fuse was changed from a 30 amp to a 20 amp. No recall was ever issued and bmw/Mini…
With only 24000 total miles on the 2002 Mini cooper-s all 4 brakes and rotors were failing, worn beyond limits and required replacing. Not covered by warranty due to vehicle being older than 3 years at the time.
Seats
3 complaints · 4%Driver and front passenger seats get stuck in position. Position for drivers seat is totally straight up. My brother repaired but seat still does not position correctly as I must use a pillow behind me in order to drive. The same thing happens to the passenger seat at least once a week. So far I have been able to get…
The passenger side heated seat malfunctioned and burned a hole into the leatherette upholstery and my wifes sweater. She was sitting on the passenger side when it occurred. This could have caused a major fire a definite safety hazard.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2002 Mini Cooper S recalls
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 vehicle crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Loss of power steering assist
Summary
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 now include my 2002, the first year bmw sold mini in the u.s., through mid-my 2005 covering approximately 109,000 vehicles.the subject vehicles use an electrically driven pump to provide hydraulic pressure to a conventional rack-and-pinion steering gear.a pump, the electric motor, and an electronic c
Engine compartment fire
Summary
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 compartment fires. Although some of the reports alleging fires note small flames were visible in the engine compartment, analysis of the damage caused by these failures indicates that even the most severe incidents were limited to localized thermal damage to the ehps electrical connections and wiring
Engine compartment fire
Summary
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 cable connector.the connector can then corrode and a high thermal load condition can occur.according to bmw, this ultimately could result in a localized smoldering condition that does not propagate. To correct the water ingress issue, bmw implemented changes to the wire routing, the power steeringpum
Questions about the 2002 Mini Cooper S
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 Mini Cooper S?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: steering (57 complaints, typically around 82,000 miles); air bags (13 complaints, typically around 91,000 miles); electrical (9 complaints, typically around 67,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2002 Mini Cooper S have?
- 1 recall listed by NHTSA, the latest from October 15, 2015 (steering). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2002 a bad year for the Mini Cooper S?
- It is 8th of 21 Cooper S model years by number of complaints, with 83 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.