Two problems related to power train have been reported for the 2002 Mini Cooper. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Mini Cooper based on all problems reported for the 2002 Cooper.
The contact owns a 2002 Mini Cooper. While driving 15 mph out of a parking lot, the vehicle made a left turn and the gear shifter failed. In addition, the gear shifter cable detached. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The failure recurred twice. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 02v201000 (power train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Bought this car in 2008 and have had very few issues. This month (November 2011) the cvt (automatic transmission) went out. Only repair apparently is "replacement" - receiving quotes between 7k and 9k from the dealer and aamco. Now finding out this is a very common problem with all Mini Cooper cvt's. This is unacceptable. Repair cost now exceeds car's value. Won't do it. Fool me once. . . Shame on you.