Most common 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman S problems
Share of the 34 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mini Cooper Clubman S complaints by model year
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman S:
Engine compartment fire
In a January 10, 2012 letter to NHTSA, BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) identifying a defect in the electric auxiliary water pump in approximately 88,911 model year (MY) 2007-2011 Mini Cooper vehicles manufactured from November 14, 2006 through January 18, 2011 (Recall 12V-008).According to BMW, the auxiliary water pump on vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder turbocharged…
What 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman S owners say
Engine & cooling all 26 →
The oil supply line to the turbo on this car leaks due to a poor design. The part(s) used by the manufacturer are not suitable for the application and fail, causing not only an oil leak, but a potential turbo failure, and worse, the potential for an engine fire, as the oil leaks onto a hot turbo charger and exhaust manifold/downpipe. The oil line uses a compression fitting where it attaches to the turbo body. This fitting uses an internal rubber o-ring/seal that is subjected to high heat, and heat cycles every time the car is run. Rubber seals fail under these conditions! The manufacturer (Mini/BMW) is aware of the problem, and is doing nothing to correct it. (it's very expensive repair) instead, the manufacturer is providing a "band-aid fix" by supplying a "heat shield" that attaches to the fitting. …
I have had major problems with my engine ever since I have had my Mini Cooper s Clubman. The turbo is loose, there is oil burning off of my engine, and it makes terrible screeching sounds that come from the engine. I have just learned that it is common for a Mini Cooper to have problems with its timing chain; thus, causing this terrible sound and all those other problems. I did not know it was the timing chain, and now they are having a recall on most of there models that are from the same year as mine. My car whenever I brake makes screeching noises that come from my engine, and I'm worried that this poor engine design will cause me to get in an accident. Now I have to pour money into getting a new timing chain, even though Mini Cooper is now know for having terrible timing chains.
Air bags
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. The contact used an OBD scanner and retrieved a DTC regarding the passenger seat occupant detection sensor. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V205000 (Air Bags) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.
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. Mini Cooper rearended a suburban truck that was stopped at intersection causing engine to break loose from mounts and hood to crumple. Sensors for airbags should have deployed at the speed and impact.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman S a good car?
There isn't enough complaint history for the Cooper Clubman S to compare model years reliably. So far owners have filed 34 complaints with NHTSA.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman S?
The engine & cooling — 26 complaints, 76% of all complaints for this model year, most often about exhaust system. Next are the air bags (8) and transmission & drivetrain (2).
How many recalls does the 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman S have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman S. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
At what mileage do 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman S problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 62,000 miles; 35% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.