2008 Mini Cooper Clubman S
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 34
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Engine
None on file
Opened by NHTSA
62% of complaints
Complaints per year
2008: 34 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 | 34 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
62% · 21 reportsShow complaint excerpts
My 2008 Mini Cooper S Clubman appears to be having a problem with the tim ing chain tensioner and timing chain. The noise is steadily getting worse.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-06
I own a 08 Mini Cooper Clubman with 48,000 miles and the warranty just ran out on June 2812: I took it in for a repair in may and no one at this dealer mentioned the timing belt tensioner!
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-08-02
Air bags
26% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing occupant classification and frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
Airbags did not deploy in accident at 40MPH due to sensor failure. Deceleration was extreme enough to fracture my back and cause chest injuries from striking steering wheel.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-05-23
The contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-13
Air bag light on.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-04
Engine and engine cooling
15% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing exhaust system.
Show complaint excerpts
Car caught fire and burned up (Totaled) in my driveway after it was shut off. Fire started in the engine compartment about 10 minutes after I shut it off and got out of the car.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-01-04
Timing chain and tensioner failure at 39K, common premature failure part on this engine when I looked online. We love our clubman, but just glad it didn't happen when we were on the interstate!
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-14
Power train
6% · 2 reportsMost commonly citing manual transmission.
Visibility
3% · 1 reportMost commonly citing sun/moon roof assembly.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
2011-10-11Preliminary evaluationClosed 2012-06-11 Engine compartment fire
Buy-smart checklist
2008 Mini Cooper Clubman S — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 21 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 9 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 5 reports on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman S reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman S?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 62% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman S have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.