2002 MINI Cooper S steering problems

57 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the steering on the 2002 MINI Cooper S — 69% of all complaints for this model year.

Steering complaints

69%

share of all complaints

82,000 mi

median reported incident mileage

2 / 2

crash / fire reports

What owners report

“The contact owns a 2002 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45-55 MPH, the steering wheel seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road. The contact restarted the vehicle and continued driving normally. The vehicle was…”
filed Jan 21, 2025
“The vin # of my 2002 mini cooper s was not included in the recall for the electrohydraulic steering failure of 2002 - 2005 mini cooper s but I am experiencing the exact issue outlined in this recall. The steering is incredibly hard to turn when parked, as well as while driving. I noticed that the…”
filed Oct 22, 2018
“Purchased this car used with low miles. Shortly after purchase I noticed the steering on my vehicle got a little harder to steer, didn't think to much about it. Then the radiator fan would not turn off when the vehicle was off. Took the car in to two different mechanics to find the problem. Found out it was the power…”
filed Aug 15, 2018

Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.

This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 32 02 14 dated August 2014. SUBJECT Installation of Right-Hand Drive Steering Spindle in Left-Hand Drive Vehicle is No Longer Required. Left-hand drive steering spindles…
M320214 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 1, 2016