Five problems related to steering failed 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.
Powersteering unit fails and steering becomes unreponsive.
Steering pump failed and had to be replaced.
Sudden loss of steering due to the failure of the power steering pump when exiting highway. Fortunately, I had enough strength to stay within the curve of the off ramp while braking to a stop. My wife would not have had the strength to keep the auto from going off the ramp.
Driving vehicle normally, power assist for the steering fails causing greatly increased effort to steer. This is addressed in pe10038 but the model years affected should include 2002 and 2003 as the electric power assist systems were the same. I have not yet attempted to replace any parts, only have confirmed fluid is full and both cooling fans operate. Cycling the ignition key briefly to the off position will cause power assist to resume.
Power steering pump on my 2003 Mini Cooper S failed, very hard to steer once failed, now I'm having the same failure again after replacing it last year. Read on threads and owners everywhere are having the same problems.