2003 MINI COOPER S — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

258

Owner Complaints

16 Crashes 28 Fires 1 Death

2

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

7

Service Bulletins

3

Investigations

Overview of the 2003 MINI COOPER S

The 2003 MINI COOPER S has received a total of 258 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 2 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM, SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER. 7 technical service bulletins have been issued by BMW of North America, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Steering (121 complaints), Visibilitywindshield (29 complaints), and Electrical System (13 complaints).

Recalls for the 2003 MINI COOPER S

NHTSA has recorded 2 recalls for the 2003 MINI COOPER S, potentially affecting up to 91,128 vehicles.

Recall 15V660000 — STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

| 86,018 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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...

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Recall 03V086000 — SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER

| 5,110 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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...

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Owner Complaints for the 2003 MINI COOPER S

258 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 MINI COOPER S. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Steering
Complaints: 121 8 Crashes 11 Fires 7 Injuries
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 29
Electrical System
Complaints: 13 2 Crashes 3 Fires
Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpump
Complaints: 6 2 Fires
Air Bags
Complaints: 5 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Engine
Complaints: 5 2 Fires
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 5 2 Crashes 2 Fires
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 5
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 5 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 5 1 Crash 1 Fire
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 5
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 4 1 Fire
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 4 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 3
Structurebody
Complaints: 3 1 Fire
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 3
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 3
Electronic Stability Controlautomatic Asc
Complaints: 2
Equipment
Complaints: 2
Steeringelectric Power Assist System
Complaints: 2
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 2
Suspension
Complaints: 2
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 2
Tires
Complaints: 2
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Air Bagsfrontaldriver Sideinflator Module
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Air Bagssensoroccupant Classification
Complaints: 1
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Other
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Assembly
Complaints: 1
Power Traindriveline
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Seat Belts
Complaints: 1
Seats
Complaints: 1
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrearshock Absorber
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Death
Visibility
Complaints: 1
Wheels
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11541298 | TIRES | | 101,000 miles
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.
#11362320 | STEERING | | 140,000 miles
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
#11362320 | SUSPENSION | | 140,000 miles
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
#11319813 | AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION | | 79,000 miles
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.
#11319813 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | 79,000 miles
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.

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Safety Rating for the 2003 MINI COOPER S

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2003 MINI COOPER S in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2003 MINI COOPER S

BMW of North America, LLC has issued 7 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2003 MINI COOPER S. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

M650610 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

NAVIGATION 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:

SI M01 01 13 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH

MINI: 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. *TA

SI M21-03-08 — POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

MINI- 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. *PE

SI M11 02 07 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

RATTLE NOISE FROM ENGINE. FROM START OF PRODUCTION UP TO APRIL 11, 2007. WITH N14 ENGINE. *NJ

720103 — AIR BAGS

AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON WITH MRS (MULTIPLE RESTRAINT SYSTEM) FC 02,03, 05, 06 STORED. *TT

610402 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SERVICE ACTION FOR BC1 REPLACEMENT AND HARNESS REPAIR. *TT

7SB0129807X — STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

SLIDEOUT WINCH ANCHOR STRAP REPLACEMENT. YD

NHTSA Investigations for the 2003 MINI COOPER S

NHTSA has opened 3 investigations into potential safety defects in the 2003 MINI COOPER S.

Investigation EA11005 — STEERING Closed

Opened:

Loss of power steering assist

Investigation PE05053 — AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW Closed

Opened:

AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATION

Investigation DP05006 — AIR BAGS Closed

Opened:

AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATION

Other Model Years of the MINI COOPER S

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Other MINI Models

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