Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
Windshield wipers failed while driving in rain. The dealer diagnosed problem as wiper motor failure. I noticed that the wiper motor was exposed directly to the weather and moisture because it is located directly underneath the cowl intake and I felt that was the cause of the failure. It's exposed to rain, snow, and winter road salt spray - even when the vehicle is not being driven. I obtained the replacement part and noticed that it had a plastic shield installed to protect the motor indicating the manufacturer does know about the problem and has implemented corrective action. When I contacted BMW, they claimed to be unaware of the problem. BMW insists on charging for the repair ($465.00) and has not yet recognized the fact that there is a safety defect with the vehicle. …
The windshield of my 2002 Mini Cooper s cracked while sitting in a parking lot. It was fine in the morning but there was an 8" crack when I hopped in for the drive home. I'm guessing the heat (90 degrees f, windows up, sun reflector on dash) caused a contaminant within the window to cause stress, which in turn became a crack. Judging from the Mini Cooper message boards on the internet, there are hundreds of windshields cracking for no apparent reason, and Mini USA has issued a bulletin to it's dealers to warn them of defective factory windshield installations. [tis message number: si m51 02 03 subject: windshield stress crack survey situation: the production process for installation of the windshield was improved in April 2002, and these improvements resulted in a significant reduction in the number of stress cracked windshields.]
Stress fracture of windshield absent specific impact from outside source. Numerous posts on internet forums, including the manufacturer sponsored Mini owner's site reveal an increasing number of windshields developing apparent stress fractures. My personal experience and that of others is that the windshield of the Mini has a propensity to crack under normal operating conditions. Dealers often deny warranty claims, pointing to the smallest of imperfections as "impact sites" and passing replacement costs on to owner's comprehensive insurance. This, despite no history of specific impacts with any objects while driving. Again in my particular case, the fracture appeared overnight while the car was garaged.
I need to complain about the windshield on the Mini Cooper 2002. One week after I got my car, I was driving along and all of the sudden a chip appeared. I never saw or heard anything hit it. I have since gotten about 10 chips in my windshield. Ever since I got the car, my windshield has creaked and made a lot of noise as if it were shifting around. This scares me so much! Then, I had an appointment the following afternoon to get one chip fixed when the windshield creaked loudly and a crack went right down the middle. I honestly am afraid sometimes that my windshield is going to fly right off of my car!
My windshield sustained an 8 inch long crack on the lower corner driver side just above the VIN number. This happened one cold morning while warming up the engine at the driveway. BMW denied warranty coverage because of a stone pit a size of a pen dot along the cracked area. I found out that there are many others that have windshield cracked on the same general location (above the bin number) as a result of stress from the frame. Attached is a supporting documentation regarding cracked windshields on Mini. Http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/modules.php?.
1. Interior door latch mechanism inoperable in freezing conditions - will not release (unable to exit car) - was able to enter car - closed door - could not exit. Bad situation as power windows were also frozen shut. 2. Windshield cracks (2nd windshield - see other threads on this known failure) - occurred while backing out of drive on public street - started at base of windshield drivers side-up 6"-then sharply right-across windshield to passenger a pillar.
I have a July 2002 build, Mini Cooper s .to date I have had 6 windshields installed.most have suffered stress related failure,but 2 started as minimal rock strikes ,which later resulted in long (10- 14 inch) cracks.glass is sub-standard,too thin ,and too soft.I definately fear for my safety as long as this glass isn't redesigned.
Stopped at light when I heard a small crack no other vehicles or traffic around upon investigation I found a small star like crack in the windshield. Within the next month before crack could be fixed windshield was chipped by road debris in two separate places and on two separate days. Windshield glass seems to be very weak.
I own a Mini coopers 2002. I had a cracked windshield in January of 2003. I am sure this was due to a manufacturing defect. My dealer saw otherwise. Mini USA needs to address this flaw in their design. My replacement windshield was not covered under warranty, as it should have been for such a defect.
I am writing to complain about thin/weak windshields in my Mini Cooper s. I am on my third windshield in less than a year. The glass is incredibly thin and cracks with the slightest impact. I consider this unsafe. In addition I know of many people who are having the same problem.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Cooper years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2002 Mini Cooper?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2002 Mini Cooper, 16% of the model year's 187 complaints. The component named most often is windshield (25 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Mini Cooper window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for the 2002 Mini Cooper, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2002 Mini Cooper window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 16,000 miles, and 74% before 25,000 miles.
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.