2002
Mini Cooper
EPA MPG:
31 mpg
Owner Reported MPG:
EPA MPG:
31 mpg
Owner Reported MPG:
RECALL ALERT:
There are 5 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
There are 5 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
RECALL ALERT:
There are 5 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
There are 5 recalls on this vehicle.
Learn More.
Reliability
Overall Reliability
We expect the 2025 Cooper to have about average reliability when compared to other new cars. This prediction is based on Mini's brand history and the previous generation of the Cooper.
The 2002 Mini Cooper has been recalled 5 times by NHTSA.
View Recalls
The 2002 Mini Cooper has been recalled 5 times by NHTSA.
View Recalls
2002 Reliability
This Car
0
100
0 - 100
Mini Cooper
Mini Cooper
NA
vs. Similar Cars
Chevrolet Silvera...
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Ford F-150
Ford F-150
Ford Ranger
Ford Ranger
GMC Sierra 1500
GMC Sierra 1500
Honda Accord
Honda Accord
Honda CR-V
Honda CR-V
Honda Civic
Honda Civic
Mazda B-Series
Mazda B-Series
Toyota Camry
Toyota Camry
Toyota Highlander
Toyota Highlander
Toyota Tacoma
Toyota Tacoma
Toyota Tundra
Toyota Tundra
Mini vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability
Reliability History
*
Redesign year
Overall Reliability Verdict
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Engine Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Cooling
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Engine Electrical
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Major
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Transmission Minor
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Drive System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Fuel System/Emissions
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Exhaust
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Suspension/Steering
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Brakes
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Climate System
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Electrical Accessories
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Body Hardware
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Paint/Trim
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Noises/Leaks
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
In-car Electronics
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Overall Reliability Verdict
Potential Trouble Spots
2000
2001
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007*
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
2013
2014*
NA
2015
2016
2017
2018
NA
2019
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
2023
2024
Powertrain
2000
2001
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007*
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
2013
2014*
NA
2015
2016
2017
2018
NA
2019
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
2023
2024
Engine Major
2000
2001
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007*
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
2013
2014*
NA
2015
2016
2017
2018
NA
2019
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
2023
2024
Engine Minor
2000
2001
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007*
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
2013
2014*
NA
2015
2016
2017
2018
NA
2019
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
2023
2024
Engine Cooling
2000
2001
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007*
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
2013
2014*
NA
2015
2016
2017
2018
NA
2019
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
2023
2024
Engine Electrical
2000
2001
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007*
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
2013
2014*
NA
2015
2016
2017
2018
NA
2019
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
2023
2024
Transmission Major
2000
2001
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007*
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
2013
2014*
NA
2015
2016
2017
2018
NA
2019
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
2023
2024
Transmission Minor
2000
2001
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007*
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
2013
2014*
NA
2015
2016
2017
2018
NA
2019
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
2023
2024
Drive System
2000
2001
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007*
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
2013
2014*
NA
2015
2016
2017
2018
NA
2019
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
2023
2024
Fuel System/Emissions
2000
2001
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007*
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
2013
2014*
NA
2015
2016
2017
2018
NA
2019
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
2023
2024
Exhaust
2000
2001
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007*
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
2013
2014*
NA
2015
2016
2017
2018
NA
2019
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
2023
2024
Show all Powertrain Trouble Spots
Suspension/Steering
2000
2001
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007*
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
2013
2014*
NA
2015
2016
2017
2018
NA
2019
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
2023
2024
Brakes
2000
2001
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007*
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
2013
2014*
NA
2015
2016
2017
2018
NA
2019
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
2023
2024
Climate System
2000
2001
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007*
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
2013
2014*
NA
2015
2016
2017
2018
NA
2019
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
2023
2024
Build Quality
2000
2001
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007*
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
2013
2014*
NA
2015
2016
2017
2018
NA
2019
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
2023
2024
Electrical Accessories
2000
2001
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007*
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
2013
2014*
NA
2015
2016
2017
2018
NA
2019
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
2023
2024
Body Hardware
2000
2001
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007*
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
2013
2014*
NA
2015
2016
2017
2018
NA
2019
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
2023
2024
Paint/Trim
2000
2001
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007*
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
2013
2014*
NA
2015
2016
2017
2018
NA
2019
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
2023
2024
Noises/Leaks
2000
2001
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007*
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
2013
2014*
NA
2015
2016
2017
2018
NA
2019
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
2023
2024
Show all Build Quality Trouble Spots
In-car Electronics
2000
2001
2002*
NA
2003
NA
2004
NA
2005
NA
2006
NA
2007*
NA
2008
NA
2009
NA
2010
NA
2011
NA
2012
2013
2014*
NA
2015
2016
2017
2018
NA
2019
2020
NA
2021
NA
2022
2023
2024
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting
how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive
reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest
subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give
you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20
potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and
brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide
data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY

STEERING
Oct 15, 2015
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.
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
15V660000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
86018
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
May 11, 2009
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
For more information:
THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES PRODUCED BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER.IN ORDER TO DETERMINE IF YOUR AFTERMARKET LAMP ASSEMBLY IS AFFECTED BY THIS NONCOMPLIANCE, PLEASE REVIEW THE LIST OF MODEL NUMBERS PROVIDED TO US BY DOPE, INC.THE LIST CAN BE FOUND UNDER "DOCUMENT SEARCH" LOCATED AT THE BOTTOM OF YOUR SCREEN. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
09E025000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
42540
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Aug 11, 2008
WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Summary:
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."
What should you do:
K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
For more information:
THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY HONDA, FORD, OR CHRYSLER LLC. CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
08E050000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
1921
EQUIPMENT
Oct 12, 2005
TOO LOW OR TOO HIGH TIRE PRESSURE CAN CAUSE PREMATURE WEAR AND/OR TIRE DAMAGE, AND COULD LEAD TO UNFAVORABLE DRIVING CONDITIONS.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
05V470000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
960
POWER TRAIN
Jul 25, 2002
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.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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).
For more information:
ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
02V201000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
3531
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