Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Steering — runs 9.4× the fleet median for that category across the 1656 model-years tracked on this site.
217Complaints
2Recalls
11Crashes
21Fires
11Injured
1Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Steering (55.8% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.
Steering complaints here are 9.4× the median for that category across the 1656 model-years tracked on this site.
2 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 4 rest on owner reports alone.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Steering
121 · 55.8%
Recalled
Recall 15V660000
Visibility:windshield
29 · 13.4%
No official action
—
Electrical System
13 · 6%
No official action
—
Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:pump
6 · 2.8%
Recalled
Recall 15V660000
Vehicle Speed Control
5 · 2.3%
No official action
—
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
5 · 2.3%
No official action
—
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 217 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MINI COOPER S. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS…”NHTSA complaint 10392569 — filed 03/23/2011 · STEERING
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MINI COOPER S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY STIFF AND WITHIN A…”NHTSA complaint 10390544 — filed 03/17/2011 · STEERING
“I WAS LEAVING MY HOME WHEN I NOTICE, AS SOON AS I START MY CAR, THAT MY STEERING IS VERY STIFF. I HAVE TO USE…”NHTSA complaint 10390400 — filed 03/16/2011 · STEERING
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mini Cooper S?
Steering issues are the most-reported category, cited in 121 of 217 NHTSA complaints (55.8%), followed by visibility:windshield (29), electrical system (13), steering:hydraulic power assist:pump (6). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2003 Mini Cooper S have?
217 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 11 involved a crash, 21 involved a fire, and 11 reported injuries. 1 deaths were reported.
Does the 2003 Mini Cooper S have any recalls?
Yes — 2 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 15V660000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2003 Mini Cooper S's reported problems?
2 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.
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