2008 MINI Cooper Clubman S problems & reliability
34 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 MINI Cooper Clubman S. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
1 complaint report injuries (1 injured).
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine → | 21 | 62% |
| Air Bags | 8 | 24% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 5 | 15% |
| Power Train | 2 | 6% |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 1 | 3% |
| Visibility | 1 | 3% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Mileage when problems occurred
Among the 31 complaints that included a usable odometer reading, the median reported incident mileage was 62,000 miles (middle 50% between 37,000 and 77,260 miles).
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“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…”
Air Bags · filed Nov 13, 2023
“My 2008 mini cooper s clubman appears to be having a problem with the tim ing chain tensioner and timing chain. The noise is steadily getting worse. After reading about the class action lawsuits around the united states I am now afraid to drive the car. If the timing chain desires to come apart on the freeway the…”
Engine · filed Jan 6, 2018
“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…”
Air Bags · filed May 23, 2017
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- Engine compartment fire
Preliminary Evaluation PE11036 · opened Oct 11, 2011 · closed Jun 11, 2012 · led to recall 12V166000
Technical service bulletins
19 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2008 MINI Cooper Clubman S. The 10 most recent:
MINI electrical systems have continued to develop over the past few years. As a result, the demand on the batteries has increased. Breakdowns due to an empty battery or problems in the vehicles electrical system can…
M610607 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 25, 2023
Mini: faulty software for the tank ventilation control displays engine throttle reaction when temperature is high outside, and more obvious if the tank is only partly filled. *ma
12 09 15 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 1, 2015
Mini: a mechanical failure and dme software error of the vanos actuators cause the engine to run rough which activates the malfunction warning light. *ma
11 02 15 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 1, 2015
Mini: camshaft timing control intake, camshaft jamming, signal implausible, position not reached, tolerance range outside, cannot control cold start exhaust and engine running rough with malfunction warning illuminated…
SIM-11-02-15 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 1, 2015
Mini: some vehicles have turbocharger noise and a lack or loss of performance, due to restriction of turbocharger oil supply, resulting in oil starvation and seizing of turbocharger assembly. Model all. *pe
SIM-11-10-14 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 1, 2014
Mini: there is a software error causing the service engine soon light to be illuminated that is related to valvetronic diagnostics. Models r55, r56, r58, r57, r60, r59. No model years listed. *pe
SIM-12-07-12 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 1, 2012
Mini: when resealing engine oil pan, engine oil pan gasket replacement should no longer be used due to causing sealing flange becoming deformed. Models r55, r56, r59, r60, r57, and r58. No model years listed. *pe
SIM-11-03-12 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 1, 2012
Mini: information provided regarding procedure of replacing fuel level sensor due to failure on the right and/or left side. *pe
SIM-16-01-09 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 1, 2012
Bmw service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. There may be a problem with a vapor recovery pump which will cause the service engine soon light to come on. *rm
SB-1227 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 1, 2011
Bmw: the airbag warning light is on with a fault stored. The wiring under the seat may be pinched or damaged. *rm
SIM-65-06-11 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 1, 2011
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns name the 2008 MINI Cooper Clubman S in our current data. Recalls may apply only to certain VIN ranges — always confirm with a VIN check.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2008 MINI Cooper Clubman S?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Among complaints with usable mileage, the median reported incident mileage was 62,000 miles. This does not predict when a particular vehicle will develop a problem.