Four problems related to steering is tight 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.
Back in may of 2013 the power steering pump starting being very loud and making noises. The steering wheel is also quite hard to turn since then. This could end up badly when completely fails when I'm mid-turn or something. This needs to be fixed ASAP.
I was changing lanes to prepare to exit off the interstate while on my way to work. As I made the lane change noticed steering was tighter. After exiting the interstate, the vehicle was very hard to steer at the top of the exit ramp. The turn made was very wide nearly missing oncoming traffic. Suspect power steering pump has failed.
The contact owns a 2003 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated while driving 65 mph the power steering failed. The vehicle was driven onto the emergency lane because the steering wheel was very hard to maneuver. The dealer was contacted in regards to a recall and stated only a class action law suit was in progress. The contact was told to bring the vehicle into the dealer to be repaired at her own expense. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 58,000. Updated 08/31/ the power steering pump was replaced. Updated 09/12/11.
2003 Mini Cooper S, 90000 miles. Power steering wheel failure during normal driving. The steering wheel is extremely hard to turn manually, thus causing panic and real danger, because the car swerved out of a turn. Dealer says it is a common issue, and need to replace the fan or pump, repair price $1300. Mini needs to recall the car.