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2008 Mini Cooper Clubman Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 27 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman, most often about the engine (41% of complaints, typically around 80,000 miles). It is the 3rd most complained-about Cooper Clubman model year since 2000 and has 1 recall.
Most common 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman problems
Engine
11 complaints · 41%Half of these problems showed up before 80,000 miles.
While driving on a city street, I was stopped in traffic. I pulled off in first gear and the car died. Several other drivers helped me push my car to a safe lot.I then had the car checked out to find the timing chain broke and ruined the engine. I bought the car through car max with their pre owned, pre certified…
Timing chain guide is made out of plastic. It broke apart and fell in pieces into the oil pan. It caused the engine to seize and the vehicle was completely inoperable.
Air bags
9 complaints · 33%Half of these problems showed up before 70,000 miles. Parts named most often: sensor.
The front passenger seat occupancy airbag sensor has failed. Consequently the front passenger airbag is turned off even if the seat is occupied. This is an ongoing problem with previous Mini's and bmw's and warrants a safety recall. This is an expensive repair and previous older model Mini's and bmw's have been…
The passenger air bag seat sensor is not working. Air bag indicator displays air bag is off when a passenger is in the front passenger seat. Multiple warnings indicate a passenger restraint system failure. No incident occurred to make this happen.
Electrical
6 complaints · 22%Parts named most often: instrument cluster/panel.
My power steering intermittently goes out. I have to stop the vehicle and turn off the engine. When I turn the car back on, the power steering comes back. When the power steering goes out, it is extremely difficult to steer the car. This has happened multiple times over the last month.
The contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v337000 (electrical system); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact…
Seats
4 complaints · 15%The front passenger seat occupancy airbag sensor has failed. Consequently the front passenger airbag is turned off even if the seat is occupied. This is an ongoing problem with previous Mini's and bmw's and warrants a safety recall. This is an expensive repair and previous older model Mini's and bmw's have been…
The passenger seat occupancy light lit up in 2 places on dash information-there was no occupant in the seat. Researching this issue @ Mini cooper web sites indicates this is a common problem and has persisted for at least 10 years. It is an extremely expensive repair (usually between $1600 & $2600) as the occupancy…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2008 Mini Cooper Clubman recalls
Electrical: electrical system
Risk: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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. Owners may contact bmw customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (11 complaints, typically around 80,000 miles); air bags (9 complaints, typically around 70,000 miles); electrical (6 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman have?
- 1 recall listed by NHTSA, the latest from May 11, 2023 (electrical). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2008 a bad year for the Mini Cooper Clubman?
- It is the 3rd most complained-about Cooper Clubman model year since 2000, with 27 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.