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2008 Mini Cooper

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Cooper years

Owner complaints for the 2008 Mini Cooper are substantially higher than the model-year median of 40.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

86 reports with mileage · 29 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 43 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 41 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 13 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

3 crash reports4 fire reports8 injury reports

Unknown Or Other complaints

3 reports
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Mileage unknown · Sep 23, 2022
Air BagsUnknown Or Other

This vehicle just went over 66,000 miles and the airbag warning light started appearing. An independent mechanic and dealership both diagnosed and said it's a defective front passenger seat occupant detection mat and I'd need to replace the entire system/seat. Several other vehicles with the same part have recalls however my spe…

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This vehicle just went over 66,000 miles and the airbag warning light started appearing. An independent mechanic and dealership both diagnosed and said it's a defective front passenger seat occupant detection mat and I'd need to replace the entire system/seat. Several other vehicles with the same part have recalls however my specific 2008 model is not included in this recall. I believe it should be included in the recall as this is clearly a known issue and an obvious safety system/design flaw. No sort of crash or collision occurred and now the vehicle will not pass safety inspection and is unusable because of this until I spent roughly $2000 on the repair.

NHTSA ODI #11486102

Mileage unknown · Mar 29, 2016
EngineUnknown Or Other

I PURCHASED MY 2008 MINI COOPER 3 YEARS AGO AND IT'S CURRENTLY AROUND 78K MY CAR WAS DIAGNOSED WITH TIMING CHAIN STRETCHED AND POSSIBLY ENGINE DAMAGE. HOWEVER MINI COOPER USA DOESN'T WANT TO REIMBURSE THE MONEY I'D PAY OUT OF POCKET MYSELF.

NHTSA ODI #10852158

1,300 miles · Aug 20, 2008
Unknown Or Other

SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED. NO IMPACT OR OTHER INCIDENT. SIMPLY DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 85 IN SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA. LOUD EXPLOSION SOUND, COVERED IN GLASS WITH HANGING SUNROOF. REPORTED INCIDENT TO 911 THEN TO CHP. NO ASSIGNABLE CAUSE.

NHTSA ODI #10239093

Official recalls

1

23V337000 · Electrical System

May 11, 2023

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2014 MINI Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Clubman John Cooper Works, and 2007-2013 MINI Hardtop 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin. The electronic control module in the driver's side footwell area may short-circuit, due to corrosion from water and road salt.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the sunroof drains, interior footwell area, and FRM and, depending upon the results of the inspection, certain components will be replaced. Owner notification letters were mailed May 13, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-866-825-1525.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.