Does the 2003 MINI Cooper S have any recalls?

2 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026, covering: steering, suspension. Recalls apply to the model and year; whether a particular vehicle is included, and whether it has been repaired, depends on its VIN.

How do I check if my 2003 MINI Cooper S recall has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask a MINI dealer. Recall repairs are free. NHTSA's VIN search doesn't list recalls that were already repaired.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2003 MINI Cooper S?

217 complaints filed with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public that NHTSA uses to decide what to investigate.

2003 MINI Cooper S recalls

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

2 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026

For the 2003 MINI Cooper S. These apply to the model and year, not to one particular vehicle: check your VIN to see whether yours is included and whether it has been repaired.

Has your MINI been repaired?

Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.

Check your VIN with NHTSA

NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A MINI dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.

2003 MINI Cooper S recalls, newest first

October 15, 2015NHTSA 15V66000086,018 vehicles potentially affected

Steering › Electric power assist system

Summary: 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.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

March 10, 2003NHTSA 03V0860005,110 vehicles potentially affected

Suspension › Rear › Shock absorber

Summary: 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.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

Owner complaints

Owners have filed 217 complaints about the 2003 MINI Cooper S with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public; NHTSA uses them to decide what to investigate.

Crashes reported: 11
Fires reported: 21
Injuries reported: 11
Deaths reported: 1

Most complained-about components

Steering121
Visibility › Windshield29
Electrical system13
Service brakes8
Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Pump6

Other MINI Cooper S years

Other 2003 MINI models

2003 MINI Cooper4 recalls

Most recalled 2003 vehicles

2003 Honda Accord (24 recalls)
2003 Honda Civic (24 recalls)
2003 Honda Odyssey (15 recalls)
2003 Subaru Outback (15 recalls)
2003 Subaru Legacy (15 recalls)

All of 2003’s most recalled vehicles

Questions

Does the 2003 MINI Cooper S have any recalls?: 2 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026, covering: steering, suspension. Recalls apply to the model and year; whether a particular vehicle is included, and whether it has been repaired, depends on its VIN.
How do I check if my 2003 MINI Cooper S recall has been fixed?: Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask a MINI dealer. Recall repairs are free. NHTSA's VIN search doesn't list recalls that were already repaired.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2003 MINI Cooper S?: 217 complaints filed with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public that NHTSA uses to decide what to investigate.