Three problems related to hydraulic 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.
Parked vehicle in home garage and the power steering pump continued to run even when key is removed. I was familiar with this issue as many other owners have experienced it and reported. Refer to NHTSA action number : ea11005. The pump will continue to run until battery depletes or fire occurs. There is no cooling provided by dedicated cooling fan when vehicle is off. I disconnected the battery to stop pump from overheating.
Sudden and intermittent power steering failure maintaining control of vehicle became difficult scheduled for repair.
We have a 2003 Mini Cooper S that spontaneously caught on fire today. I was driving about 40 mph when I smelled something and the power steering just quit working. I came to a stop, then smoke came out from the side of the car. I pulled into a parking lot and opened the hood - there was a fire under the exhaust by the power steering pump. I was able to get a bucket of water and put the fire out. . Read more...