2008 Mini Cooper
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.
- Complaints
- 116
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2008
None on file
38% of complaints
Complaints per year
2008: 116 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 6 |
| 2002 | 187 |
| 2003 | 320 |
| 2004 | 282 |
| 2005 | 372 |
| 2006 | 200 |
| 2007 | 118 |
| 2008 | 116 |
| 2009 | 151 |
| 2010 | 92 |
| 2011 | 83 |
| 2012 | 66 |
| 2013 | 47 |
| 2014 | 34 |
| 2015 | 56 |
| 2016 | 28 |
| 2017 | 28 |
| 2018 | 8 |
| 2019 | 12 |
| 2020 | 7 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
38% · 44 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that the contact's daughter inadvertently bumped into the exhaust pipe located on the rear driver's side of the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-07-24
My wife and I live in munich, germany, where she works for the us government.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-07-26
Also filed under Structure
About two weeks ago while driving on a major highway the mini cooper suddenly died without warning. The power steering quit making the vehicle extremely difficult to steer. The car would not start.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-12
Air bags
38% · 44 reportsMost commonly citing inflator module and front passenger.
Engine and engine cooling
11% · 13 reportsMost commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and exhaust system.
Show complaint excerpts
Ltr from congressman maurice d. Hinchey on behalf of constituent, who suffered a leg burn from the tailpipe of her 2008 Mini Cooper.
NHTSA ODI report, 2008-09-26
On 9/3/08 I leaned into the rear of my 2008 Mini Cooper to retrieve grocery bags and my bare leg (Right leg) came into contact with the tail pipe of the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2008-09-08
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper sport. While removing groceries from the rear of the vehicle, the contact burned her leg on the exhaust pipe, which was located in the middle rear of the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2008-06-27
Power train
10% · 12 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission.
Electrical system
9% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper Hardtop. 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, 2023-10-10
The contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper. 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, 2023-10-03
The contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the electrical system became inoperable. The contact stated that the windows, headlights, radio, and other safety features were inoperable.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-28
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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.
Buy-smart checklist
2008 Mini Cooper — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 44 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 44 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 13 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 23V337000 · Electrical system
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2008 Mini Cooper reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Mini Cooper is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mini Cooper?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2008 Mini Cooper have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.