One problem related to steering rack has been reported for the 2003 Mini Cooper. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Mini Cooper based on all problems reported for the 2003 Cooper.
Failure of steering gear assembly resulting in replacement of assembly 3x. Failure resulted in more difficulty turning steering wheel and creaking noise emitting from underside of car. Dealer stated there was a TSB on this issue. 1st instance 7/8/04 @32,297 miles, 2nd instance 3/2/05 @48,551 miles, 3rd instance 7/25/05 @59,112 miles. All failures occurred between July 2004 and July 2005. Old part kept by dealership.