Recalls & complaints · NHTSA data
2003 MINI Cooper recalls
Every recall campaign and owner complaint NHTSA has on file for the 2003 model year. Not every vehicle is affected by every campaign: check a specific car by VIN below.
Recall summary by component4
NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h| Component | Campaigns |
|---|---|
| Exterior lighting | 2 |
| Steering | 1 |
| Suspension | 1 |
Safety recalls4
NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h| Oct 15, 201515V660000 | Steering: electric power assist systemIf 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. DetailsHide details for campaign 15V660000
|
| May 11, 200909E025000 | Exterior lighting: headlightsDECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH. DetailsHide details for campaign 09E025000
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| Aug 11, 200808E050000 | Exterior lighting: headlightsWITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH. DetailsHide details for campaign 08E050000
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| Mar 10, 200303V086000 | Suspension: rear shock absorberIF LEFT UNATTENDED OVER A PERIOD OF TIME, AND DEPENDING ON DRIVING CONDITIONS, THE REMAINING PORTION OF THE SCREW MAY BREAK. DetailsHide details for campaign 03V086000
|
Merged from NHTSA model names: Cooper, Cooper S. Not every vehicle of a model year is affected by every campaign.
Owner complaints by component537
NHTSA Complaints API · cached ≤24 h| Component | Complaints | % |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 288 | 54 |
| Power train | 97 | 18 |
| Visibility | 56 | 10 |
| Electrical system | 40 | 7 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 32 | 6 |
| Air bags | 17 | 3 |
| Suspension | 14 | 3 |
| Equipment | 13 | 2 |
| Service brakes | 12 | 2 |
| Engine | 12 | 2 |
| Hydraulic | 11 | 2 |
| Tires | 10 | 2 |
| Vehicle speed control | 9 | 2 |
| Structure | 9 | 2 |
| Unknown or other | 6 | 1 |
12 more components with fewer complaints not shown. An owner can tag several components, so percentages add up to more than 100. Complaints are unverified owner reports, de-duplicated by NHTSA ODI number.
Latest reports
- Steering
“The contact owns a 2003 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction.”
- Steering
“68k miles on a 2003 mini cooper s and the power steering pump is whining. I feel as if this may be really early for it to be needing to be replaced.”
- Steering
“The contact owns a 2003 Mini Cooper. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V660000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available.”
Other MINI Cooper model years
- 20076 recalls398 complaints
- 20061 recall449 complaints
- 20052 recalls843 complaints
- 20042 recalls529 complaints
- 20032 recalls537 complaints
- 20023 recalls270 complaints
All years: 2026 · 2025 · 2023 · 2022 · 2021 · 2020 · 2019 · 2017 · 2016 · 2015 · 2014 · 2013 · 2012 · 2011 · 2010 · 2009 · 2008 · 2007 · 2006 · 2005 · 2004 · 2003 · 2002
Other MINI models
2003 MINI Cooper recall questions
How many recalls does the 2003 MINI Cooper have?
NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns for the 2003 MINI Cooper. The most recent, 15V660000 (reported October 15, 2015), concerns steering. Not every vehicle is covered by every campaign; check a specific car by VIN.
What are the 2003 MINI Cooper recalls for?
The largest group is exterior lighting, with 2 campaigns. Others: steering (1), suspension (1). Each campaign below lists the defect, the risk and the free remedy.
What is the most common complaint about the 2003 MINI Cooper?
Steering is the most-reported component, named in 288 complaints out of 537 filed with NHTSA (54%). Across all complaints, owners reported 14 crashs and 48 fires. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How do I check if a recall is open on my 2003 MINI Cooper?
Enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That shows campaigns still unrepaired on that exact car. Safety recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.