2003 MINI Cooper: engine failure

5 of the 320 complaints about the 2003 MINI Cooper describe engine failure.

owner complaints: 5
of this car's complaints: 2%
typical mileage: 113,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 14 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Engine failure by model year

2017
1
2015
2
2013
1
2012
4
2011
2
2010
1
2009
7
2008
14
2007
8
2006
4
2005
12
2004
7
2003
5
2002
3

What owners say

Filed Jun 21, 2018 · Steering · 164,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mini cooper. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized and an abnormal noise was heard while driving approximately 65 MPH. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was taken to mini of san diego (5202 kearny mesa rd, san diego, ca) where it was diagnosed that the vehicle was operating as intended. The dealer also stated that the vehicle was previously repaired per the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v660000 (steering). The vehicle was not repaired and the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and it was determined that the power steering pump was the original manufactured part, which meant that no parts were replaced as the dealer originally stated. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact that they had no records of the vehicle being serviced per the recall. The dealer was contacted again and stated that the recall was serviced in march of 2017. The failure mileage was approximately 164,000.

Filed Feb 16, 2016 · Electrical, Steering · 168,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mini cooper. While driving approximately 15 MPH, the power steering seized. The battery and temperature gauge warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v660000 (steering); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 168,000.

Filed Sep 8, 2014 · Steering · 113,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mini cooper. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who stated that the power steering pump failed. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.

Filed Jan 29, 2010 · Steering · 89,305 miles · NJ

The power steering pump and related parts in my 2003 mini cooper had to be replaced in 2006 and again in 2009. There was no specific incident that caused the problem: the power steering just stopped working while I was driving the car. 4/26/2006 38,492 miles power steering fan seized - replaced by dealer under warranty 5/03/2006 38, 709 miles power steering pump faulty -replaced by dealer under warranty 11/19/2009 89,305 miles power steering pump, power steering rack and steering shaft defective - repair paid for by car owner. Mechanic returned defective parts to mini cooper.

Filed Oct 15, 2008 · Transmission · 62,000 miles · WA

Failed CVT transmission in the middle of an intersection. Car had to be pushed to the side of the road as entire system was locked and engine died; could not manually move shift out of drive. Mileage was around 12,000 above warranty. Dealership quoted $7200 to replace transmission - no coverage under warranty. I could not afford the repair, so turned the car back to manufacturer as a voluntary repo. This was devastating. Car was in excellent condition otherwise.