2003 MINI Cooper S: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 MINI Cooper S: 2 recalls, 217 owner complaints and up to 25 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Suspension Vehicle recall #03V086000 · 2003 · 5,110 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will replace the lower screw connection of the rear struts. Owner notification began April 7, 2003.
Steering Vehicle recall #15V660000 · 2015 · 86,018 vehicles
What's wrong: The affected vehicles May experience temporary or permanent loss of the electro-hydraulic steering assistance.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 21 mention a fire, 11 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Steering (129): the most common themes are steering problems (127).
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (33): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (3).
- Electrical (14): the most common themes are electrical failure (10), fire / smoke (7).
- Engine & cooling (10): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (6).
The 2003 MINI Cooper S has 217 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 22 Cooper S model years for complaints (2.7× the average Cooper S year). Complaints peaked in 2011 (33 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 70,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (83 complaints, 1 recalls), 2004 (247 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 31 | 25 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 MINI Cooper S.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 MINI Cooper S have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2003 MINI Cooper S. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2003 MINI Cooper S problems?
Owners have filed 217 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are steering (129), visibility (wipers, glass) (33), electrical (14).
What gas mileage does the 2003 MINI Cooper S get?
EPA ratings run up to 25 mpg combined (1.6 L, Manual 6-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 MINI Cooper S repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.