2008 Mini Cooper Clubman S problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Engine (19) · Air Bags (5) · Engine And Engine Cooling (3)
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
31 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (19)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Electrical System 2023-10-25 · M610607 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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 have various causes, most of which are not due to the battery itself. for this rea
Engine 2015-07-01 · 12 09 15 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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
Engine 2015-06-01 · 11 02 15 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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
Equipment 2015-04-01 · SIM-11-02-15 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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 due to software issue. *pe
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:other Fuel Types:turbo/Supercharger 2014-12-01 · SIM-11-10-14 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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
Engine 2012-06-01 · SIM-12-07-12 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
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
Showing the 6 most recent of 19 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2023-11-13 · Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification · 85,000 mi“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. afte…”
2018-01-06 · Engine · 88,000 mi“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 sudden loss of steering and brakes…”
2017-05-23 · Air Bags · 112,000 mi · 💥 crash“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 deplo…”
2017-04-02 · Engine · 76,893 mi“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 a…”
2016-08-05 · Engine · 121,532 mi“timing chain jumped off of dead center. had to replace timing chair to new upgraded assembly. cost was around $1200.00. upset because this has been happening to a lot of mini coopers. should have some kind of recall to consumers. bmw knows about this.was driving home from out of state.…”
2016-04-21 · Engine · 104,000 mi“the timing chain was replaced at 90,000 mile and and now need to be replaced at 104,000 miles…”
2016-02-16 · Air Bags · 105,000 mi“airbag warning light would come on intermittantly with a passenger in the seat. now stays on all the time with or without a passenger. bad passenger seat mats are under recall in mini cooper convertibles but not covered in clubman. $1200 repair is required and uses same part as the convertible. is recall being expanded?…”
2015-07-02 · Fuel/Propulsion System“vehicle started having trouble turning on and when it did come on a loud clanking noise began. the car could barely go over 30mph. 3 hr. drive took us almost 6 hours to get to dealership. dealership states it is the timing chain and the oil pan needs to be replaced.we found excessive water in the spare wheel hub. the brake light sensor would not go…”
2015-01-25 · Engine · 51,934 mi“the car developed engine trouble at 51,934 miles. we called otto's mini dealership and were told that the car was no longer under warranty. we then took car to a local repair shop and were told that the engine needed replacing due to faulty timing chain that resulted in extensive damage to the cylinder head and pistons. upon researching this proble…”
2015-01-08 · Engine · 64,000 mi“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…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.