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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 6 |
| 2002 | 187 |
| 2003 | 320 |
| 2004 | 282 |
| 2005 | 372 |
| 2006 | 200 |
| 2007 | 115 |
| 2008 | 115 |
| 2009 | 150 |
| 2010 | 92 |
| 2011 | 82 |
| 2012 | 65 |
| 2013 | 47 |
| 2014 | 34 |
| 2015 | 54 |
| 2016 | 28 |
| 2017 | 28 |
| 2018 | 8 |
| 2019 | 12 |
| 2020 | 7 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
37% of complaints: engine — 43 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow 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, 20190724
MY WIFE AND I LIVE IN MUNICH, GERMANY, WHERE SHE WORKS FOR THE US GOVERNMENT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120726
TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER FAILURE. I HAD TO REPLACE CHAIN, TENSIONERS AND CRANK GEAR ON MY 2008 MINI WITH 81,000 MILES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171111
34% of complaints: air bags — 39 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY10% of complaints: power train — 11 distinct reports on file.
CRASH9% of complaints: electrical system — 10 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow 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, 20231010
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, 20231003
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, 20230928
6% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 7 distinct reports on file.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 23V337000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 Mini Cooper — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (43 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (39 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 23V337000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 37% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Mini Cooper have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.