Cooper (R50/R53)
Data covers 3 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
1.6-I4-Gas
1.6L 4-cyl / 161 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Mini Cooper Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Mini Cooper, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2002-2006 Mini Cooper
On a used 2002-2006 Mini Cooper, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the steering (1,568), the airbags and driver-assist systems (408) and the transmission and drivetrain (268). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Turn the wheel from lock to lock while parked, then drive straight on a level road with a light grip.Safety. NHTSA has 1,568 owner complaints on the 2002-2006 Mini Cooper about the steering.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 408 owner complaints on the 2002-2006 Mini Cooper about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 268 owner complaints on the 2002-2006 Mini Cooper about the transmission and drivetrain.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 207 owner complaints on the 2002-2006 Mini Cooper about the electrical system.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 162 owner complaints on the 2002-2006 Mini Cooper about the engine.
Recalls (8)
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.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2006 MINI Cooper and Cooper S vehicles manufactured January 5, 2005, to November 28, 2006, and 2005-2008 MINI Cooper Convertible and Cooper S Convertible vehicles manufactured January 5, 2005, to July 31, 2008. Due to manufacturing, installation, and exposure issues, the front passenger seat occupant detection mat may not function properly and, as a result, the front passenger air bag may not deploy in a crash.
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
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.
Show 3 older recalls
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FLAT TIRE MONITORING SYSTEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTLY PROGRAMMED. IN THE EVENT OF A FLAT TIRE, AN AUDIBLE SIGNAL WILL NOT SOUND TO ALERT THE DRIVER TO A FLAT TIRE.
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.
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.
All Generations
Alternatives in Subcompact
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2002-2006 Mini Cooper complaints?
Owners have filed 2,619 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002-2006 Mini Cooper. The systems they name most often are the steering, the safety systems and the transmission.
Is the 2002-2006 Mini Cooper a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 2,619 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002-2006 Mini Cooper. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002-2006 Mini Cooper have?
NHTSA has 2,619 owner complaints on file for the 2002-2006 Mini Cooper as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2002-2006 Mini Cooper?
NHTSA lists 8 recalls covering some 2002-2006 Mini Cooper vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Mini Cooper?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the steering, the safety systems and the transmission, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the Cooper have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2002-2006 Mini Cooper. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 2,619 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.