Worst 2008 MINI Cooper S Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Engine & Cooling
Airbags
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2008 MINI Cooper S.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 78 | — | 4 | 60,240 mi | |
| Engine & Cooling | 36 | — | 4 | 42,260 mi | |
| Airbags | 30 | 1 | — | 64,305 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 8 | — | 2 | 56,962 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 6 | — | — | 67,223 mi | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Manual Transmission | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Body Structure | 2 | — | 1 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Latches / Locks | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Power Train:Clutch Assembly | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Brakes | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Defects | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2008 MINI Cooper S. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2008 MINI Cooper S
3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~236,107 vehicles.
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, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin. The electronic control module in the driver's side footwell area may short-circuit, due to corrosion from water and road salt.
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 Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.
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, 2009-2011 COOPER JCW CONVERTIBLE, AND 2011 COOPER S COUNTRYMAN PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 14, 2006, THROUGH JANUARY 18, 2011. THE ELECTRIC AUXILIARY WATER PUMP THAT COOLS THE TURBOCHARGER HAS AN ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT BOARD THAT CAN MALFUNCTION AND OVERHEAT.
Other MINI Cooper S Years
2008 MINI Cooper S — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2008 MINI Cooper S reliable?
What are common problems with the 2008 MINI Cooper S?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2008 MINI Cooper S?
How safe is the 2008 MINI Cooper S?
Does the 2008 MINI Cooper S have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2008 MINI Cooper S?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full MINI Cooper S reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2008 MINI Cooper S
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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