2003 MINI Cooper
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Steering
Steering leads by volume: 288 of 537 complaints (54%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Suspension, Wheels & Tires include more deaths (1) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 270 in 2002 to 537 in 2003.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | vs. 2003 Minicompact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,100 | 2,750–3,100 | 2,750–3,100 | 2,750–3,250 | |
| Combined MPG | 25 | 25–28 | 25–28 | 24–28 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 22 / 29 | 22–25 / 29–33 | 22–25 / 29–33 | 21–24 / 29–33 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 355 | 317–355 | 317–355 | 317–370 | |
| Complaints filed | 270 | 537 | 529 | 843 | |
| Recalls issued | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 7 | 14 | 12 | 17 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 13 | 48 | 14 | 36 | |
| Injuries reported | 10 | 14 | 4 | 7 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| Configurations compared | 1 | 3 | 3 | 8 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2003 MINI Cooper have?
4 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2003 MINI Cooper?
Steering: 288 of 537 NHTSA complaints (54%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2003 MINI Cooper get?
EPA rates it 25–28 MPG combined across 3 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2003 MINI Cooper?
EPA estimates $2,750–$3,100 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (3)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Manual 6-spd | 4 | 1.6L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Minicompact Cars | 22 mpg (low) | 31 mpg | 25 mpg (low) | $3,100 (high) | 355 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4 | 1.6L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Minicompact Cars | 22 mpg (low) | 29 mpg (low) | 25 mpg (low) | $3,100 (high) | 355 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 3 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 1.6L | Front-Wheel Drive | Premium | Minicompact Cars | 25 mpg (high) | 33 mpg (high) | 28 mpg (high) | $2,750 (low) | 317 g/mi (low) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 44 | 2 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 97 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 5 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 40 | 3 | 11 | 1 | 0 |
| Brakes | 12 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 288 | 8 | 35 | 8 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 23 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 17 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 14 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 60 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 16 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (4)
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM · Campaign 15V660000 · Oct 15, 2015
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 remedy parts become available. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · Campaign 09E025000 · May 11, 2009
Defect: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · Campaign 08E050000 · Aug 14, 2008
Defect: K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER · Campaign 03V086000 · Mar 18, 2003
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 A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.