2003 MINI Cooper S
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › MINI › Cooper S › 2003
These records cover every 2003 MINI Cooper S. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2003 MINI Cooper S. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
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.
On certain vehicles, the lower screw connection of the rear struts to the chassis may fail. the head (top) of the screw securing this connection may break. the remaining portion of the screw will still hold the strut in place.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If left unattended over a period of time, and depending on driving conditions, the remaining portion of the screw may break. if it broke, the chassis would lean directly on the tire diminishing the driver's ability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the lower screw connection of the rear struts. owner notification began april 7, 2003. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
Owner complaints
217 complaints11 involved a crash21 involved a fire11 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Tires
The contact owns a 2003 Mini Cooper S equipped with Falken Tires, Tire Line: Sincera SN250 A/S, Tire Size: 235/45R17, DOT Number: FMHR3120. The contact stated that while washing the vehicle, he noticed that a bubble had developed on the front driver’s side tire. The contact was concerned for his…
The contact owns a 2003 Mini Cooper S equipped with Falken Tires, Tire Line: Sincera SN250 A/S, Tire Size: 235/45R17, DOT Number: FMHR3120. The contact stated that while washing the vehicle, he noticed that a bubble had developed on the front driver’s side tire. The contact was concerned for his safety while driving the vehicle. The contact stated that he rotated the tire to the rear driver’s side but was concerned and uncertain if the bubble might cause a risk to his safety while driving. The vehicle had not yet been diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.
- Steering · Suspension
I was starting my vehicle and it made a bad knocking noise then it was like crunching noise so I stopped turn it off and waited for a while went back to the car still making a strange noise but once I put it in the drive it stopped making noise drove down the road a bit and talking about apparently…
I was starting my vehicle and it made a bad knocking noise then it was like crunching noise so I stopped turn it off and waited for a while went back to the car still making a strange noise but once I put it in the drive it stopped making noise drove down the road a bit and talking about apparently slips off of the car so it just pulls over inside all the all the wearing lights came on so pulled over apparently this happens quite often but the harmonic balancer separated and with spinning against itself and knocked the pieces off of it and through the serpentine belt so that needs to replace now that should not happen it's one piece IS this one piece this needs to be recalled for these whatever cars had these harmonic balancers IS dangerous and it could blow your car up thank you
- Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification · Electrical system · Seats
TL* the contact owns a 2003 MINI cooper s. The contact stated that on three occasions, the mat occupancy sensor on the front passenger's seat was replaced due to the warning light being illuminated. The vehicle was taken to MINI of birmingham located at 2001 tom williams way, birmingham, al 35210…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 MINI cooper s. The contact stated that on three occasions, the mat occupancy sensor on the front passenger's seat was replaced due to the warning light being illuminated. The vehicle was taken to MINI of birmingham located at 2001 tom williams way, birmingham, al 35210, 205-267-4505. The contact was informed that the mat sensor needed to be replaced at a cost of $1,200. The contact was also informed that the part may also be available at the local junkyard. The mat sensor was replaced however, the failure recurred. The contact was informed that the seat should be replaced which was still pending. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.
- Steering
We know of twice that our car's power steering pump failed while in motion. After BMW was finally forced into a recall for the power steering pump failure and we received a notification, we took our car to century BMW in greenville, sc. The service department checked our work regarding replacement…
We know of twice that our car's power steering pump failed while in motion. After BMW was finally forced into a recall for the power steering pump failure and we received a notification, we took our car to century BMW in greenville, sc. The service department checked our work regarding replacement pump, fan, etc. And deemed it 100% satisfactory. we submitted the paperwork and invoice for the repair and waited (requested . After 16 weeks and no reimbursement or notification, we called and was informed by the service department manager that BMW wouldn't pay us anything because we didn't use oem parts. Why would we keep replacing the pump (this was the 3RD pump that we know of) with a defective one (by zf) that kept quitting? We replaced it with dorman (well-known manufacturer of quality parts) which had a life-time warranty (life-time!) and was much cheaper. the sd manager even said that since he'd seen so many repairs using that brand of power steering pump he had researched them and found nothing wrong with them. but BMW decided they wouldn't pay for this. There was nothing in the recall letter that said oem had to be used or they wouldn't reimburse for repairs. I believe BMW saw so many dorman pumps used they knew they could save a lot of money by refusing to pay. We filed a complaint with the sc dept. Of consumer affairs but BMW wouldn't answer them so they just dropped it, letting BMW get by with this. We were only requesting $721.04 which IS less than half of what a repair shop would have charged. can you do anything about this? we filed the complaint with sc consumer affairs in december of 2017, took the car to BMW in may of 2017 so this has been going on for a while. Have other owners had this problem? has a lawsuit been started against BMW?
- Steering
Power steering pump failed while driving
- Steering
Occasionally the steering over my MINI cooper s IS becoming very hard. It seems like the power steering IS failing. The car then can only be steered with a lot of difficulty. I can no longer risk to have my daughter or wife drive this car. I checked the steering fluid and it IS at optimal levels. It usually happens at lower speed, but I have not driven it on the freeway since this issue started to appear.
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2003 MINI cooper s. The contact noticed fuel leaking underneath the vehicle. The contact checked under the hood and discovered that the fuel filter had a leak. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. the vin was not provided. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
- Air bags · Electrical system · Seat belts
After battery went dead, replaced with new battery and shortly after air bag light illuminated. had independent shop clear code in 2015 inspected harness found nothing out of ordinary. 3 days later air bag light returned. now in february 2018 had MINI of towson diagnose air bag light thinking…
After battery went dead, replaced with new battery and shortly after air bag light illuminated. had independent shop clear code in 2015 inspected harness found nothing out of ordinary. 3 days later air bag light returned. now in february 2018 had MINI of towson diagnose air bag light thinking the dealership can reset air bag light properly. dealership recommended upgrading wiring harness under seat for 525 dollars. I have been on multiple forums and this air bag light IS a common problem for 02-03 minis, including 05-06, and 12-15 year minis. my concern IS that MINI knows this IS a defective part from the manufacturer but refuses to stand by their product even when it could affect the safety of the purchaser of its vehicles. in the event nhtsa receives enough complaints to force MINI to issue a recall for this issue, I would like to be included as another dissatisfied consumer. thank you for your time, garrett
- Steering
I was approaching a corner on a back road and half way through the power steering failed which caused the car to go off the road rolling two and a half times landing on the roof.
- Electrical system · Unknown or other
The manual tailgate release cable was not fitted in this and other early production MINI cooper s cars, though the owner's manual indicates that this safety feature IS part of the design. the manual tailgate release cable allows access to the battery compartment, which IS in the trunk of the…
The manual tailgate release cable was not fitted in this and other early production MINI cooper s cars, though the owner's manual indicates that this safety feature IS part of the design. the manual tailgate release cable allows access to the battery compartment, which IS in the trunk of the vehicle, when there IS an electrical malfunction such as a battery failure. without the manual release cable, the battery IS inaccessible in the event of a failed battery or other electrical malfunction. the battery in my car failed and left me stranded on the side of the highway with no convenient access to remove the battery. further, the absence of this manual release cable means that the tailgate could not be used as an egress for vehicle occupants in the event of an emergency.
- Electrical system · Steering
Power steering went out without warning, causing loss of control while vehicle was in motion; MINI USA advised it was still driveable, but to be cautious due to lack of control/power steering; when parked, smoke began to plume from under hood where a fire was noticed in back of engine. Called MINI…
Power steering went out without warning, causing loss of control while vehicle was in motion; MINI USA advised it was still driveable, but to be cautious due to lack of control/power steering; when parked, smoke began to plume from under hood where a fire was noticed in back of engine. Called MINI USA back and they advised us to not drive vehicle, as it was a safety hazard. contacted MINI to set up recalled part (hydraulic power steering), but they were not willing to have car towed to dealer (120 miles from my residence).
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2003 MINI cooper s. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v660000 (steering) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 MINI cooper s. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v660000 (steering) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. updated 05/18/16*lj updated 06/14/16.*jb
- Steering
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…
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. The vehicle was not repaired. The vin was not available. The failure mileage was 213,000.
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2003 MINI cooper s. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v660000 (steering) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2003 MINI cooper s. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v660000 (steering) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2003 MINI cooper s. While driving at various speeds, the steering became very difficult to maneuver. After turning off and restarting the vehicle 30 minutes later, the power steering returned to normal, but then failed again. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 MINI cooper s. While driving at various speeds, the steering became very difficult to maneuver. After turning off and restarting the vehicle 30 minutes later, the power steering returned to normal, but then failed again. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the electro-hydraulic power steering failed and needed to be replaced. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v660000 (steering); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the dealer wanted to charge for the repair because of the mileage on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 181,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2003 MINI cooper s. While operating the vehicle at low speeds, the steering wheel required excessive force in order to turn. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered that the power steering fluid leaked from the power steering fluid reservoir. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 136,000.
- Steering
Suddenly out of nowhere as soon as I started the car to back out of my driveway & go to work the steering was completely locked up, only having approximately an inch to inch and a half of mobility in either direction. I then turned the car off, let it sit off for about 5 mins then re-started it and the steering was still the same way.
- Steering
Power steering pump failed at 69,000 miles. pump and fan were replaced under warranty, but dealer required additional work to be performed to keep extended warranty in force. the work included replacement of all power steering hoses at a cost of over $600.00
- Electrical system · Engine · Steering
Steering fluid continuously leaks - replace hydraulic hose twice - known defect - MINI refused to fix for free engine cooling - fan runs after shutoff continuously - known defect - MINI refused to fix for free electrical - doors, windows, sunroof fire off on their own while car IS moving and when…
Steering fluid continuously leaks - replace hydraulic hose twice - known defect - MINI refused to fix for free engine cooling - fan runs after shutoff continuously - known defect - MINI refused to fix for free electrical - doors, windows, sunroof fire off on their own while car IS moving and when IS parked. will do this at highway speed or when sitting outside (rain or shine) - car unlocks itself and windows all open up -known defect - kind of distracting at highway speed -MINI refused to fix for free. dealers will not fix these issues unless you make them recall vehicles with multiple small problems ( not just one big problem) - this model has 73 tsbs that dealers charge you to fix even though the problems are known and dangerous issues. In my mind, many small problems can be more dangerous than a few big ones - steering, door locks, cooling - not good. this IS an old car but these problems are old too - known tsbs should not be subject to warranty time frames, they are still dangerous after the warranty expires. when these cars are routinely serviced, these known/dangerous issues need to be corrected or the cars should be taken off the road. I used the date of the last incident, not the first one. Thank you. *tr
- Engine · Steering
8/13/2014- I was stopped at a stop sign in a mall parking lot and smoke started billowing out from under the right front side of the car and at the same time started coming through the vents into the cabin of the car. I tried to shut off the car, but it would not turn off. a bystander came…
8/13/2014- I was stopped at a stop sign in a mall parking lot and smoke started billowing out from under the right front side of the car and at the same time started coming through the vents into the cabin of the car. I tried to shut off the car, but it would not turn off. a bystander came running and opened the hood, smoke poured out, told me to call roadside assistance as he was opening hood and then told me to hang up and call 911 that my car was on fire. flames were coming out of the engine area but there was too much smoke. the engine fan was still running. Another passerby had an commercial extinguisher and emptied it on my vehicle. the fire dept. Was pulling up as they were trying to push it aside, the car re-ignited and it took the fire department approx. 15 to make douse the fire without it re-igniting. all of these people looked my vehicle over and could find no reason for it to ignite. I purchased the car used about 4 weeks ago and have put about 3000 miles on it without any issues. my insurance company had it towed to a mechanic down the road and they are to contact me tomorrow to see if they can see why this occurred. luckily, my daughter and I were able to exit the car and be in an area close to the fire department and good samaritans...updated 10/06/14 *bf *tr updated 7/15/2015 *js
- Engine
I had noticed that the power going up hills had been slowing down for sometime but as we were driving in town and lost it's number three cylinder, took it to shop and with several days of work found out I would be better off scrapping it than fixing it. mechanic who deals with BMW said that he…
I had noticed that the power going up hills had been slowing down for sometime but as we were driving in town and lost it's number three cylinder, took it to shop and with several days of work found out I would be better off scrapping it than fixing it. mechanic who deals with BMW said that he could put in a new engine but he sand that the issues that he has seen on this years cooper show it IS just a money pit. He said, just scrap it and take your losses. The only thing IS I bought it used and still owe over $3,000. On it. I have no car and can't afford to replace it and have two payments as I am disabled with a low income from injuries. I finally got my car of my dreams and it because my nightmare. missing my MINI. *tr
- Steering
I was exiting an expressway and while on the ramp coming off, the steering became very unresponsive and heavy. in doing some research on the internet it sounds like my power steering pump has failed. *tr
- Steering
I was driving down the street and was going to make a right to turn, slowed down to say hi to my roommate who was leaving and went out of gear when I went back in my steering was extremely stiff and I could barely move the wheel. *tr
- Engine · Structure › Body
On february 6, 2014 my MINI cooper s was serviced at the dealership MINI cooper of concord for a recall in the power steering pump. Shortly, after in march my car started to smoke from the engine and my car bursted into flames. The fire department came and turned down the fire, however my car IS a…
On february 6, 2014 my MINI cooper s was serviced at the dealership MINI cooper of concord for a recall in the power steering pump. Shortly, after in march my car started to smoke from the engine and my car bursted into flames. The fire department came and turned down the fire, however my car IS a complete loss. I called MINI cooper of concord, however no one could provide help. I also emailed the head of the dealership and there was no response. I investigated online and noticed that many people had similar problems with the water pump leaking and catching fire in the engine. I called MINI USA and filed a case,and they promised to respond within 3 days. However, they did not only until I called various times and finally was able to reach a representative. James informed me that there was no way to evaluate the MINI cooper was as at fault and only tried to sell me a new car. I am very disappointed with MINI cooper's customer service and lack of support. My car IS now a complete loss. *tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Loss of power steering assist
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…
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 control unit (ECU) are housed in a single component BMW calls a Power Pack.The investigation focused on contaminant-induced failure of the ECU resulting in a loss of assist without warning.When assist is lost mechanical steering is retained however increased steering effort is required to keep the vehicle on an intended path.Some consumers reported that restarting the vehicle (cycling the ignition switch) would often reinstate the steering assist.Additionally, and by design, assist can also reinstate during the drive cycle in limited circumstances.The unexpected loss of assist, and/or possibly the reinstatement of assist while driving, may contribute to a loss of vehicle control in certain driving situations.During MY 2005 production BMW introduced a revised Power Pack design (the ECU incorporated a conformal coating of the circuit board) which resulted in a significant reduction in failures.ODI identified 20 reports describing crashes consistent with a loss of power assist event possibly caused by a failure of the Power Pack.Two reports alleged an injury however both were minor in nature and did not require emergency treatment (a subsequent doctor's visit occurred in one case).Ten of these reports described low speed crashes with minimal, or in most cases no property or vehicle damage (e.g., striking a movable barrier in a parking lot).Additionally 27 other reports alleged or indicated that a crash occurred due to a Power Pack failure however in reviewing these reports, ODI either 1) was unable to confirm that a crash actually occurred (8 reports), or 2) determined that the crash circumstances (e.g., adverse road/weather conditions) or cause (e.g., the crash was caused by steering linkage failure) were not attributable to a Power Pack failure (19 reports).Throughout the investigation BMW maintained that loss of assist in the subject vehicles did not constitute a safety related defect, noting that the subject vehicles are smaller, light weight vehicles that can be reasonably controlled when assist is lost.In May 2013 BMW launched a 13 year/150,000 mile extended warranty coverage utilizing the redesigned Power Pack as a replacement part.ODI continued its investigation.In July 2014 BMW provided ODI a status of the ongoing extended warranty program, and in May 2015 ODI requested an update of complaint data.Following a review of the provided data, ODI informed BMW of its assessment that loss of steering assist failures were not adequately resolved by an extended warranty program.On October 12, 2015 BMW notified NHTSA that it would conduct a safety recall (15V-660) on approximately 86,000 subject vehicles not previously remedied with the new design Power Pack through regular or extended warranty programs.The recall covers MY 2002-2005 MINI Cooper, MY 2002-2005 MINI Cooper S, and MY 2005 MINI Cooper/Cooper S convertibles manufactured through Feb 9, 2005.Vehicles produced after this date are not included si
- Engine compartment fire
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…
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 insulation.none of the complaints alleging loss of power assisted steering indicated that the increased effort resulted in a crash or loss of vehicle control. A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted. Accordingly, this investigation IS closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by circumstances.see document file for additional information regarding this resume.
- Engine compartment fire
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…
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 steeringpump connector and the ground eyelet connection between february and july of 2002. In a review of warranty claim data sent by BMW, 67 percent of the vehicles noted in warranty claims had production dates after august 1, 2002. Additionally, odi noted eight reports of consumers witnessing flames coming from the engine compartment.this preliminary evaluation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea07-011) to further assess the scope, frequency andpotential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect.
- Air bag warning lamp illumination
In march 2006, BMW reissued a service bulletin first issued in september 2003, to MINI dealers regarding the repair procedure for improper wire crimps in approximately 31,500 model year 2002 and 2003 MINI cooper vehicles produced up to january 2003.the new service bulletin states that the warranty coverage for the…
In march 2006, BMW reissued a service bulletin first issued in september 2003, to MINI dealers regarding the repair procedure for improper wire crimps in approximately 31,500 model year 2002 and 2003 MINI cooper vehicles produced up to january 2003.the new service bulletin states that the warranty coverage for the issue (i.e., air bag warning lamp illumination with fault code for high resistance in side air bag/seat belt pretensioner circuit) IS extended to 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever occurs first.bmw plans to send letters to owners during march 2006.the subject wire crimps are located under the front seats and are part of the main wiring harness that interface with the under-seat wiring harness connectors for side air bag and seat belt pretensioner modules.bmw stated that, although the subject crimps were improperly manufactured, the crimp connection IS still sufficient for the restraint system to deploy when needed.according to BMW, the electrical resistance levels in the subject vehicles can exceed the threshold that illuminates the air bag warning lamp, but they do not exceed a much higher limit in which deployment of the restraints may no longer occur.odi believes that there IS lack of evidence at this time to conclude that the restraint systems may not deploy with the high resistance condition.the agency believes that further expenditure of agency resources does not appear to be warranted at this time.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.the agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances.
- Air bag warning lamp illumination
Odi has granted the petition and has opened a preliminary evaluation (pe05-053) on illumination of air bag warning lamp on model year 2002 and 2003 MINI cooper vehicles.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10162443Programming a Replacement EGS Module with ISTA/P. Programming a replacement electronic transmission control module (EGS) with ISTA/P requires the manual entry of the correct target basic and programmed part numbers. Programming concept.
- 10151228This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 32 02 14 dated August 2014. SUBJECT Installation of Right-Hand Drive Steering Spindle in Left-Hand Drive Vehicle is No Longer Required. Left-hand drive steering spindles are currently available.
- 10150304State Inspection and Emission (I/M) Test Fails to Read 17-Character VIN. An affected vehicle may fail to pass a state-mandated Inspection and/or Emission (I/M) test due to a noncompliant 17-character vehicle identification number (VIN) being read out and displayed on the state's required tester report printout. In accordance with the OBD regulation, all MY 2005 and newer vehicles are required to support the display of their compliant 17-character VINs. These vehicles were produced to be in compliance with this regulation. If the DME was reprogrammed using the previously available BMW service equipment (e.g., Progman, GT1), it was possible that only the last 7 of the VIN were entered into the DME, and positions 4 through 10 may only contain default characters. For example: The state I/M tester or OBD scan tool may read out WBAAA00000A123456 instead of the correct full 17-digit VIN, WBAZZ03492A123456.
- 10150204State Inspection and Emission (I/M) Test Fails Due to an Invalid VIN Number. The affected vehicle may fail to pass a State Inspection and Emission (I/M) test due to a noncompliant 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) stored in the DME (Digital Motor Electronic). The VIN read-out displayed on the state test printout does not match the actual VIN of the vehicle. If the DME was reprogrammed using the previously available BMW service equipment (e.g., Progman, GT1), it was possible that only the last 7 of the VIN were entered into the DME, and positions 4 through 10 may only contain default characters. For example: The state I/M tester or OBD scan tool may read out WBAAA00000A123456 instead of the correct full 17-digit VIN, WBAZZ03492A123456.
- 10150086Electro-Hydraulic Power-Assist Steering Pump (EHPS) and Cooling Fan: Warranty Extension to 13 years/150,000 miles. On affected vehicles, the electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) pump can fail.
- 10150044Electro-Hydraulic Power-Assist Steering Pump (EHPS) and Cooling Fan: Warranty Extension to 13 years/150,000 miles. On affected vehicles, the electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) pump can fail.
- 10148439Electro-Hydraulic Power-Assist Steering Pump (EHPS) and Cooling Fan: Limited Warranty Extension to 13 Years/150,000 Miles. On affected vehicles, the electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) pump can fail.
- 10148394Installation of Right-Hand Drive Steering Spindle in Left-Hand Drive Vehicle. Supply shortage of left-hand drive steering spindles
- 10145311NAVIGATION SYSTEM HAS MISSING OR INCORRECT ROAD MAP DATA: The route guidance is inaccurate and therefore irritating to the customer; or it is not possible to locate certain addresses, for instance:
- 10143579NAVIGATION SYSTEM HAS MISSING OR INCORRECT ROAD MAP DATA: The route guidance is inaccurate and therefore irritating to the customer; or it is not possible to locate certain addresses, for instance:
- 10059113MINI: faulty software causes the check control and engine power reduced light to appear.
- 10059112MINI: because of the dme software, and a damaged clutch, the drivetrain malfunction check message appear.
- 10059111MINI: due to faulty dme software, the service engine lights comes on, including the check control message for motor force decrease.
- 10059098MINI: different faults activates engine malfunction and oil warning.
- 10059094MINI: a mechanical failure and dme software error of the vanos actuators cause the engine to run rough which activates the malfunction warning light.
- 10057710MINI: models R50, R52, and R53 with the electro-hydraulic power-assist steering pump and cooling fans will have an limited warranty extension to 13 years/150,000 miles.
- 10057570MINI: some vehicles have turbocharger noise and a lack or loss of performance, due to restriction of turbocharger oil supply, resulting in oil starvation and seizing of turbocharger assembly. Model all.
- 10056114MINI: there IS a disconnection or kink, in wnidshield washer hose, which IS too short, causing windshield front washer jet to fail. Model F56 (cooper, cooper s).
- 10055137MINI: warranty coverage extension/repair expense reimbursement for the electro hydraulic power (assist) steering (ehps) pump, which has its own cooling fan, on some vehicles and not the electric power (assist) steering (eps) system on other minis. Models 2002-2005 cooper, cooper s, convertible, convertible s.
- 10053604MINI: there IS a procedural error in the removing and installing or replacing high pressure pump current version that has been replaced with the corrected repair instruction portion for the N14 and N18 engine. Models R55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61. No model years listed.
- 10052614MINI: see document search button for owner letter. A warranty extension for certain vehicles with potential problem with cooling fan and the durability of electro hydraulic power (assist) steering (ehps) pump. Models 2002-2005 R50, R52, R3. Updated on 11/1/2013. Updated 3/4/2014
- 10043927BMW MINI: airbag warning light IS on: mrs fc 02, 03, 05, 06.
- 10043725MINI: after drive-away locking activates, it IS not possible to unlock the boot.
- 10041389BMW: service engine soon light may be on with stored trouble codes and reduced engine power. The high pressure fuel pump malfunctions.
- 10040372BMW: the crimping process of the oxygen sensor could lead to an electrical failure inside the sensor. There may be a malfunction light on with a fault code stored.
- 10037305BMW: description and specifications of crankcase ventilation system.
- 10032985MINI: electric cooling fan runs after engine IS shut off. After the engine IS shut off, the electric cooling fan continues to run. Due to the operating strategy of the dme, the electric cooling fan may continue to run after the engine IS shut off in two different scenarios. Engine coolant temp reaches 108 degrees celsius (due to heat soak), cooling fan will activate til coolant temp drops below 105 degrees celsius. Fan will run to assist the auxiliary water pump, which IS used to cool turbo charger after engine shut down. No model years listed.
- 10032984MINI: water leak from the front doors. After heavy rain, the carpet may be wet in the area near the rear of the front doors or in the footwell area. Water which IS allowed to enter the vehicle at the top rear edge of the door IS not able to drain out through the bottom of the door seal. As a result, the water travels along the door seal and into the passenger compartment.
- 10030669MINI: when replacing the cylinder head cover on a vehicle equipped with the new N14 engine, the cover will look different in appearance. The replacement cover IS now equipped with a crankcase ventilation system pressure relief valve. No model years listed.
- 10028785MINI: service engine soon or check gas cap warning IS illuminated: tank leakage. Leakage IS detected in the tank ventilation or evaporative system.
- 10026789MINI: check svs function. On certain vehicles, the voice input system (svs sa 620) does not function. The svs was not installed in the vehicles.
- 10026767MINI: turbocharger failure; oil supply line blockage. Loss of performance and turbocharger noise. Updated 8/16/11.
- 10026766MINI: rear split door opening problems. One or both of the rear split doors intermittently have functional problems. The door(s) may not unlatch when the lever on the handle IS pulled or the latch may release unexpectedly without being pulled. Updated 7/10/09.
- 10026612MINI: fuel odor from the engine compartment. The high pressure pump (hdp) and/or the low pressure supply hose connection can allow fuel seepage, resulting in the fuel odor.
- 10025903MINI- R5 & R56 (cooper; cooper s) with getrag 6 speed manual transmission: complaint of an intermittent no-crank, no start situation. The clutch switch module has not been secured in the correct position on the clutch master cylinder.
- 10025846MINI: R55, R56 (cooper, cooper s) with F21 asin 6-speed automatic transmission - incorrect gear display.
- 10025844MINI: driver footwell area becomes hot. The hearter core pipes are poorly insulated. Model R56.
- 10024513Rattle noise from engine. From start of production up to april 11, 2007. With N14 engine.
- 10019988Nitrogen inflated tires.
- 10004674Airbag warning light IS on with mrs (multiple restraint system) fc 02,03, 05, 06 stored.
Every MINI Cooper S model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.