Two problems related to steering is tight have been reported for the 2002 Mini Cooper S. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Mini Cooper S based on all problems reported for the 2002 Cooper S.
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 recall had about 339 complaints and roughly 85,000 vehicles were recalled, so maybe at the time no one with a similar VIN as me complained.
Intermediate power steering failure on 2002 Mini Cooper S. At first power steering would cut in and out when driving until it went dead completely but sometimes will resume function when you shut off car and restart. Steering is very hard when this occurs. Weeks passed with same symptoms then power steering pump will run constantly even with car shut off. To stop the pump from draining my battery I had to disconnect battery or remove the fuse that is connected to the powersteering pump. Now the car is operable without power steering but steering is rather hard.