Is the 2008 Mini Cooper S Clubman 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 S Clubman?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 Mini Cooper S Clubman have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

2008 Mini Cooper S Clubman

○ Not enough data

2008 Mini Cooper S Clubman
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:53:09.228Z

Only 11 complaints on file — too few 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.

Only 11 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 11
Recalls: 2
Investigations: 1
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

2008: 11 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2007	0
2008	11
2009	51
2010	13
2011	12
2012	2
2020	1
2021	0

Known problem areas

Only 11 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Engine and engine cooling

3 of 11 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

I came home from work and parked the car in his normal parking space on the black top. I turned off the car, put the vehicle in gear with the parking brake and locked the door. A minute later, the vehicle was on fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-05-07

Also filed under Electrical system

Timing chain failure.

NHTSA ODI report, 2010-07-12

My 2008 Mini Clubman s was parked at the post office, when someone came in to tell me my car was on fire. I ran outside to find smoke pouring from under the hood, and called the fire department.

NHTSA ODI report, 2010-02-15

Engine

3 of 11 total reports mention: engine.

Air bags

3 of 11 total reports mention: air bags.

Show complaint excerpts

Air bag light has been lit since around 2014. For some reason my 2008 Mini VIN is not part of the 2005-2008 Mini airbag recall. What should I do, as this issue should be part of the recall.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-01-02

The air bag warning light has been set off for many years and comes back even after a computer replacement. This is the light for the passenger bag. There was a recall of 2005 to 2008 Mini for this exact issue.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-01-02

Structure

1 of 11 total reports mentions: structure.

Power train

1 of 11 total reports mentions: power train.

Show complaint excerpts

The transmission in my car is going out at only 53 thousand miles...

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-10-06

Safety timeline

2 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
R

2012-02-29Engine and engine cooling12V008000 BMW is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Mini Cooper S, 2008-2011 Mini Cooper S Clubman, 2009-2011 Mini Cooper S Convertible, 2009-2011 Mini Cooper jcw, 2009-2011 Mini Cooper jcw clubman…

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump free of charge. The safety recall beganduring February 2012. Owners may contact BMW at 1-866-275-6464.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-06-15Engine and engine cooling18V248000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S...

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2008 Mini Cooper S Clubman — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Engine and engine cooling: 3 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 3 reports on file for this year.
Air bags: 3 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 12V008000 · Engine and engine cooling
Recall 18V248000 · Engine and engine cooling

FAQ

Is the 2008 Mini Cooper S Clubman 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 S Clubman?: The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Mini Cooper S Clubman have?: 2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.