MYRModel Year Report

2008 Mini Cooper S

● Typical for this model
2008 Mini Cooper S
RENDERED 2026-11-01T16:56:38.605Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
168
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 2008

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine

46% of complaints

Complaints per year

2002: 83 complaints 2002 2003: 217 complaints 2004: 247 complaints 2005: 314 complaints 2005 2006: 186 complaints 2007: 249 complaints 2008: 168 complaints 2008 168 2009: 119 complaints 2010: 59 complaints 2011: 31 complaints 2011 2012: 23 complaints 2013: 24 complaints 2014: 13 complaints 2014 2015: 18 complaints 2016: 10 complaints 2017: 6 complaints 2017 2019: 5 complaints 2020: 5 complaints 2021: 0 complaints 2021 2022: 1 complaint 2024: 1 complaint 2025: 4 complaints 2025
2002: 83 complaints 2002 2003: 217 complaints 2004: 247 complaints 2004 2005: 314 complaints 2006: 186 complaints 2006 2007: 249 complaints 2008: 168 complaints 2008 168 2009: 119 complaints 2010: 59 complaints 2010 2011: 31 complaints 2012: 23 complaints 2012 2013: 24 complaints 2014: 13 complaints 2014 2015: 18 complaints 2016: 10 complaints 2016 2017: 6 complaints 2019: 5 complaints 2019 2020: 5 complaints 2021: 0 complaints 2021 2022: 1 complaint 2024: 1 complaint 2024 2025: 4 complaints
2002: 83 complaints 2002 2003: 217 complaints 2003 2004: 247 complaints 2004 2005: 314 complaints 2005 2006: 186 complaints 2006 2007: 249 complaints 2007 2008: 168 complaints 2008 168 2009: 119 complaints 2009 2010: 59 complaints 2010 2011: 31 complaints 2011 2012: 23 complaints 2012 2013: 24 complaints 2013 2014: 13 complaints 2014 2015: 18 complaints 2015 2016: 10 complaints 2016 2017: 6 complaints 2017 2019: 5 complaints 2019 2020: 5 complaints 2020 2021: 0 complaints 2021 2022: 1 complaint 2022 2024: 1 complaint 2024 2025: 4 complaints 2025

2008: 168 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
200283
2003217
2004247
2005314
2006186
2007249
2008168
2009119
201059
201131
201223
201324
201413
201518
201610
20176
20195
20205
20210
20221
20241
20254

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

46% · 78 reports
FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

My car caught fire while driving. I had been driving for about an hour on the highway. There was no warning. No cel or errors on the dash display. Car was running normally. I noticed some smoke.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-01-12

Also filed under Electrical system and structure

Tl* the contact owned a 2008 Mini Cooper S. While driving approximately 70 MPH, an abnormal noise was heard and the contact noticed thick, grey smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. The oil warning light illuminated.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-03-30

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated that smoke was seen coming from the engine.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-12-28

Engine and engine cooling

26% · 44 reports

Most commonly citing engine and exhaust system.

FIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper S. While driving 60 MPH, smoke appeared from the vehicle and the service engine, coolant, and oil warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle stalled and was able to be restarted after several attempts.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-09-02

2008 Mini Cooper S spontaneous engine fire 10/02. I had just returned home from work and I had driven the car for about 45MINS and then 10MINS after shutting the car down a fire had started in the engine compartment.

NHTSA ODI report, 2009-10-07

We purchased a 2008 Mini Cooper for my daughter. Last night while she was putting things in the trunk, her leg glanced the tailpipe and she received a pretty significant burn.

NHTSA ODI report, 2008-09-10

Air bags

18% · 31 reports

Most commonly citing occupant classification.

CRASHINJURY

Power train

5% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing manual transmission and clutch assembly.

Electrical system

5% · 8 reports
FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the windows would roll down independently and the sunroof would fail to close completely.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-03-06

The contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-17

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    2008-08-29Engineering analysisClosed 2009-01-02 Exhaust pipe burns
  2. R
    2009-01-15Engine and engine cooling08V657000 BMW is recalling 28,450 my 2007-2008 Mini Cooper S vehicles. The centrally located tailpipe extension protrudes slightly beyond the rear bumper. It is possible for inadvertent contact to occur…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the tailpipe with a new shorter tailpipe free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during January 2009. Owners may contact BMW at 1-866-275-6464.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    2011-10-11Preliminary evaluationClosed 2012-06-11 Engine compartment fire
  4. 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 →

  5. 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 →

  6. R
    2024-05-13Electrical system23V337000 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,...

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2008 Mini Cooper S — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine: 78 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 44 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 31 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 08V657000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 12V008000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 18V248000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 23V337000 · Electrical system
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2008 Mini Cooper S reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Mini Cooper S is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mini Cooper S?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 46% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Mini Cooper S have?
4 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.