2003 Mini Cooper s problems
The Mini (stylised as MINI) supermini range, marketed under various names such as Mini Cooper, Mini Hatch, Mini Hardtop, Mini One, and Mini John Cooper Works, are a family of retro-styled three-door hatchback, two-door convertible, and five-door hatchback (since 2014). The range was introduced in July 2001, following the acquisition of the Mini brand by German automaker BMW.
BMW first unveiled the Mini hatch concept car at the 1997 Frankfurt International Motor Show, when the Mini brand was still part of the BMW-owned Rover Group. Developed as a successor to the original Mini, the styling of the concept car was well received by the public and further developed. The new Mini range was launched by BMW in 2001, one year after their sale of the Rover Group in March 2000, and the classic Mini's discontinuation that same year. Under BMW ownership, the brand later grew its line-up by adding larger models such as the Clubman in 2007, the Countryman in 2010, the Paceman in 2012, and the Aceman in 2024.
The second generation was launched in 2006 and the third, adding a longer 4/5-door hatchback, in 2014. A two-door convertible version was added in 2004, followed by its second generation in 2008. With the launch of the fourth generation in 2024, the Mini Hatch has been renamed to Mini Cooper.
BMW also developed several battery electric versions of the Mini, starting with the Mini E in 2009 developed only for field trials, followed by the mass-produced Mini Electric in 2019, and succeeded by the Mini Cooper E/SE in 2023 which uses a dedicated electric vehicle platform.
Mini models under BMW ownership are produced in Cowley, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom at Plant Oxford. Between July 2014 and February 2024, 3-door production was shared with VDL Nedcar in Born, Netherlands. The Mini convertible was only assembled in the Netherlands between 2015 and 2024. From 2024, all next generation combustion engined Mini hatch and convertible production will be centred at Oxford. Since late 2023, the electric Mini Cooper is developed and produced in China at the Spotlight Automotive joint venture facility in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu.
Social links
Common 2003 Mini Cooper s problems
The 2003 Mini Cooper S is known for a variety of common issues that owners have reported. Here are some of the most frequently mentioned problems and their details:
- Power steering motor whining: A whining noise coming from the power steering motor when the wheels are straight ahead can be an indication of an impending failure.
- Window motor failure: The window motors in the 2003 Mini Cooper S are fragile and susceptible to failure, which can result in windows not dropping properly when doors are opened.
- Gearbox problems: The 2003 Mini Cooper S gearboxes can be problematic, with notchy actions even when the gearbox is warm.
- Headlight adjust motor failure: The headlight adjust motors can fail, causing the headlights to point too high.
- Water ingress: Water can enter the doors and drip down into the footwell, where it can damage the engine management computer.
- Rattles: Every piece of plastic in the 2003 Mini Cooper S is prone to rattling, which can be a source of annoyance for owners.
- Pulling to the left under braking: If the car pulls hard to the left under braking, it could be a sign of a problem with the braking system.
- Rattly exhaust: A rattly exhaust is often caused by a rusted mount at the rear, which can be an easy fix.
- Windscreen cracks: Windscreen cracks, particularly at the edges, are a common issue in the 2003 Mini Cooper S.
While these issues can be frustrating for owners, it is important to note that many 2003 Mini Cooper S owners have reported positive experiences with the car, despite these common problems.
What is a common problem with MINI Coopers?
Oil cooler leaks have also been reported on some vehicles. These problems cause the engine to gradually overheat, leading to coolant loss and severe damage if left unchecked. Head gasket failure is a common result of the engine overheating in the R56 Cooper S.
Is MINI Coopers engine reliable?
MINI Coopers are, for the most part, reliable vehicles. However, they do suffer from a high frequency of costly repairs, primarily due to the heritage of the powerplant nestled beneath the bug-eyed hood.
How many miles can a 2003 Mini Cooper last?
How Long Do MINI Coopers Last? The MINI Cooper is the type of car that's designed to last a long time. A MINI Cooper that's well cared for can last anywhere between 75 thousand miles to 150 thousand miles.
Does a 2003 Mini Cooper have a BMW engine?
While the name Cooper used to designate a performance Mini, now all Minis are called Coopers, with the performance version called the S. Both trim levels use a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine developed by BMW and Chrysler.
2003 Mini Cooper s complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Mini Cooper s.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2003 Mini Cooper s recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2003 Mini Cooper s.
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: 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.
- Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
- Components: 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2003 Mini Cooper s problems:
2003 Mini Cooper S reliability and general maintenance - North ...
Jun 16, 2014 ... I took my first one off at 191,000 miles, (it is mechanically fine, but will have it rebuilt at some point), and my second one has over 143,000 ...
'03 Cooper S - What to look out for? - Page 1 - General Gassing ...
Apr 7, 2012 ... Check driver's side engine mount for oil leaks - common failure. PAS is noisy as said. Check wear on inside of rear tyres esp if still on ...
How reliable is a 2003 Mini Cooper? - Quora
Apr 22, 2016 ... Current (third) generation MINIs are very reliable if serviced on time. I have owned several F series models over the years and never had any ...
The 2003 to 2006 Mini Cooper "S" is a Neat Car BUT!! - North ...
Aug 17, 2010 ... Stock Problems/Issues - The 2003 to 2006 Mini Cooper "S" is a Neat Car BUT!! - They were not designed to last!
2003 Mini Cooper Problems and Complaints - 8 Issues
Top 2003 Mini Cooper Problems · Clutch May Wear Prematurely · Electric Door Locks May Malfunction · Service Recommend for "Sealed For Life" Transmissions · Electric ...
Other years of Mini Cooper s
Are you having problems with your 2003 Mini Cooper s?
Leave your review of 2003 Mini Cooper s