Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Mini Cooper owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I just found this web site and after reading through the various issues other people are having with their Mini, I decided I should also go ahead and share my issues as well. Back in April of 2004, I was hit on the front passenger side by a Honda accord traveling about 50 miles an hour and my airbags failed to deploy. I never had a check engine light or an airbag light for that matter but it's a scary thought not having your airbags deploy, especially at such a high speed of impact. I used to be in love with Mini's but I have been so "soured" by them as of late with all of the issues I have been having. My automatic transmission is shot and because of that, I can't even start my car.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that the transmission failed on the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for service and stated that the transmission was failing. The vehicle was not repaired. While driving home, the transmission seized. The vehicle was then towed back to the dealer, who determined that the drive shift cable failed. The contact was informed of NHTSA campaign number: 02V201000 (power train). However, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 136,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Mini Cooper. While driving various speeds, the engine stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The electronic learning module and the pyramid warning light illuminated. The contact stated that several components were replaced due to manufacturer defects. The gear lever, transmission, brake pedal, motor, clutch, front and rear axles, and the accelerator pedal position sensor were all replaced. The failure mileage was 118,457.
Purchased a used 2002 Mini Cooper about 3 1/2 yrs ago w/ about 12K miles. At around 15-17K miles the transmission basically exploded while I was on the highway. I was told that there was a crack in the transmission. Mini replaced it with I'm guessing a rebuilt transmission. At the time of the repair I asked them if they were putting in a new clutch and they said no, which I found strange. Now at 60K miles the clutch is basically done. When the car is cold it shifts pretty normally, but after 15-25 minutes of driving the first two gears become hard to engage and they slip. This is not my first five speed and I'm shocked that this clutch is done after such little mileage. Should they have replaced the clutch when they replaced the transmission? I'm not a mechanic but to lose a clutch at 60K miles doesn't make any sense. My driving habits are pretty normal. …
I always maintained my 2002 Mini Cooper and at 80K miles the transmission blew up just before I was to enter a very busy freeway in los angeles, downtown area. There was plenty of oil in the transmission. I was told it was not a fault of my care after the mechanic looked at it upon tow in. It just stopped fast and short with a huge jerk forward and explosive noise. The mechanic said it blew in big chunks. I couldn't move it from traffic in neutral and had it towed to the shop. 80K is early for something like this and I see many people are reporting this happened with even less mileage, 34K, 48K ...no replacements and so many failures like this? Mini turns their heads; would not replace or even talk to me. Previously too the power steering pump also just stopped and no movement on the wheel. Seriously dangerous. I was told by the dealership one time in mountain view, I had an oil leak. …
While driving my Mini Cooper on a major road in heavy traffic my Mini Cooper experienced a complete loss of power to the wheels (sudden transmission failure). My only option to avoid being rear-ended was to steer the car off the road ( with the remaining forward momentum into a fast food parking lot in order to avoid being involved in an accident. Description of failed component/affected part: Mini Cooper's CVT transmission have a known history of sudden failure at 80K-120K. BMW the manufacturer of the Mini has known about the defective transmission in their vehicle for years, and has never informed owners of their vehicles of the transmission problem or the potential risk for accidents, injury, or death that could result from the sudden failure of the Mini's transmission and resulting total loss of power. …
I purchased a pre-owned Mini Cooper with 34,000 miles on it. 5-speed transmission. Shortly after purchase, I noticed a "studder/hesitation" on take off from a dead stop in first gear. This happened about a dozen times. I took it to my mechanic to demonstrate the problem. On the test drive, the car made a loud grinding noise and all gears failed. The clutch and gear shift felt normal, but no gear would engage. The car was rolling backwards down a hill into oncoming traffic. It was towed to the local Mini dealership where it was determined that the transmission had failed. At that point the car had 35,000 miles on it. Because it was 4 months out of warranty, Mini refused to pay for the repair. I found numerous accounts of the midland transmissions being replaced under warranty. …
I recently was driving home from sacramento when my car stopped driving on the freeway.... Luckily I was able to pull off to the side and call for help... The car was still running and the RPM's were going up, but would not drive or reverse. I had no idea what the problem was especially since I had just had the second inspection service on the car on 4/10/2007 at the cost of $850. The car had not been driving funny, no lights had come on, nothing was abnormal. Aaa took my car to Mini of sacramento dealer where I had to leave it over night (the service department was no longer open) and check myself into a hotel. I called the next morning and they said because I did not have an appointment they would be able to take the car on an emergency basis and take a look at it around 5:00 pm. I was called later that day and told the car needed a new transmission and it will cost $7,500... …
The shift linkage came disconnected from the transmission. I has unable to change gears. I looked on the NHTSA site and found that the car was recalled for this exac problem. I had asked the dealer about such a recall several years ago. They denied and continue to deny that such a recall exists. After I brought my car to the dealer for repair, they called to have me pick up my car. They then mentioned that they have to get parts and I will have to bring the car back. I informed that I did not feel safe driving the car with a saftey related recall that was not fixed. I am frustrated that the dealer and manufecturer continue to deny that the vehicle was recalled and try to have me drive the unrepaired vehicle. Rcall campaign n. 02v-201 : shift cable retaining clip.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Mini Cooper. The contact started the ignition and shifted into reverse however, the gear shifter failed to move out of reverse after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer who advised that the shift cable was detached from the transmission shift linkage. There was a recall associated with the failure under NHTSA campaign id number 02V201000 (power train:manual transmission:floor shift assembly) however, the contact's VIN was ineligible for recall repairs. The part was ordered and the vehicle was scheduled for repairs when the part became available. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 148,200. ....updated 12/20/12 updated 12/27/2012
Related recalls
Power train › Manual transmission › Floor shift assembly
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with manual transmissions, the transmission shift cable connects the gearshift lever in the vehicle interior to the shift linkage on the transmission. It is possible for the shift cable to detach from the transmission shift linkage while the driver is attempting to change gears.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the shift cable and, if necessary, install a retaining clip over the end of the shift cable to prevent it from detaching from the transmission. Owner notification began August 6, 2002.
Transmission complaints in other Cooper years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2002 Mini Cooper?
NHTSA has 43 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2002 Mini Cooper, 23% of the model year's 187 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Mini Cooper transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 02V-201 (floor shift assembly, Jul 25, 2002). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2002 Mini Cooper transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 16% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 3 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.