Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
The most-reported problem — Steering (55.8% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.
Steering complaints here are 9.5× the median for that category across the 1655 model-years tracked on this site.
| Complaint category | Reports | Official status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 121 · 55.8% | Recalled | Recall 15V660000 |
| Visibility:windshield | 29 · 13.4% | not available | — |
| Electrical System | 13 · 6% | not available | — |
| Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:pump | 6 · 2.8% | Recalled | Recall 15V660000 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 5 · 2.3% | not available | — |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:engine | 5 · 2.3% | not available | — |
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 217 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
NHTSA campaign 15V660000 · 2015 · reported 10/15/2015
If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 03V086000 · 2003 · reported 03/10/2003
IF LEFT UNATTENDED OVER A PERIOD OF TIME, AND DEPENDING ON DRIVING CONDITIONS, THE REMAINING PORTION OF THE SCREW MAY BREAK. IF IT BROKE, THE CHASSIS WOULD LEAN DIRECTLY ON THE TIRE DIMINISHING THE DRIVER'S ABILITY TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MINI COOPER S. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS…”NHTSA complaint 10392569 — filed 03/23/2011 · STEERING
“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MINI COOPER S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY STIFF AND WITHIN A…”NHTSA complaint 10390544 — filed 03/17/2011 · STEERING
“I WAS LEAVING MY HOME WHEN I NOTICE, AS SOON AS I START MY CAR, THAT MY STEERING IS VERY STIFF. I HAVE TO USE…”NHTSA complaint 10390400 — filed 03/16/2011 · STEERING
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Steering issues are the most-reported category, cited in 121 of 217 NHTSA complaints (55.8%), followed by visibility:windshield (29), electrical system (13), steering:hydraulic power assist:pump (6). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
217 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 11 involved a crash, 21 involved a fire, and 11 reported injuries. 1 deaths were reported.
Yes — 2 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 15V660000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
