Two problems related to electric power assist steering system have been reported for the 2003 Mini Cooper S. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Mini Cooper S based on all problems reported for the 2003 Cooper S.
Electric power steering pump went out without any warning. I noticed it when I was going around a bend and the steering effort had greatly increased. If I had to make a emergency maneuver, I probably would not have been able to complete it successfully.
Power steering failure and soon after electrical smelling smoke started to come out from under the hood. Upon inspection at the dealership some of the wires had melted and the power sterring motor was burnt out.