Vehicle recall 03V086000 · March 10, 2003

MINI Cooper and Cooper S

On certain vehicles, the lower screw connection of the rear struts to the chassis may fail.

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

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.
Notes: Customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

Recall details

NHTSA campaign: 03V086000
Reported to NHTSA: March 10, 2003
Filed by: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
Owner notification: April 4, 2003
Vehicles potentially affected: 5,110
Initiated by: the manufacturer
Components: Suspension › Rear › Shock absorber

Recall 03V086000 on nhtsa.gov, with the manufacturer’s documents

Vehicles covered

As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.

MINI Cooper (2003): 2003
MINI Cooper S (2003): 2003

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