2002 MINI Cooper recalls and problems
The 2002 MINI Cooper has 3 safety recalls and 187 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any MINI dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2002 MINI Cooper vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2002 MINI Cooper recalls
Recall 15V-660: Steering
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall 05V-470: Equipment
Problem: Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, 'tire selection and rims.' the standard requires that the relationship between the tire size and maximum tire pressure be indicated on the vehicle's tire information label. This relationship is not present.
Risk: Too low or too high tire pressure can cause premature wear and/or tire damage, and could lead to unfavorable driving conditions.
Fix: Owners will be provided with new tire information placards and installation instructions. At the customer's option, a dealer can perform the installation for them. The recall began on november 30, 2005. Owners may contact mini at 1-866-275-6464.
Recall 02V-201: Power Train
Problem: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with manual transmissions, the transmission shift cable connects the gearshift lever in the vehicle interior to the shift linkage on the transmission. It is possible for the shift cable to detach from the transmission shift linkage while the driver is attempting to change gears. If the cable detaches from the shift linkage, gear changes will no longer be possible and the transmission will remain in the last gear selected.
Risk: If shift cable detachment occurs and the transmission remains in any forward gear, the vehicle can still be driven in that gear only. However, if the transmission moves into neutral and remains there, the ability to accelerate or maintain speed will be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the shift cable and, if necessary, install a retaining clip over the end of the shift cable to prevent it from detaching from the transmission. Owner notification began august 6, 2002. 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 1-866-ask-mini (1-866-275-6464).
2002 MINI Cooper problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 63 | |
| Power Train | 45 | |
| Visibility | 29 | |
| Air Bags | 26 | |
| Electrical System | 13 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 11 | |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 6 | |
| Seats | 4 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 | |
| Unknown or Other | 3 | |
| Equipment | 2 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 2 |
Most reported parts
- Visibility › Windshield — 25
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 16
- Power Train › Manual Transmission — 11
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 4
- Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Pump — 4
- Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 3
- Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System — 3
- Power Train › Manual Transmission › Floor Shift Assembly — 3
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 58,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2002 MINI Cooper complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other MINI Cooper years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2002 MINI Cooper have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2002 MINI Cooper: 15V-660 (steering), 05V-470 (equipment), 02V-201 (power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 MINI Cooper?
Owners report steering problems most often (63 reports), followed by power train (45). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 58,000 miles.
Are MINI recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized MINI dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.