Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2008 MINI Cooper, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Engine44
- Air bags41
- Engine and engine cooling13
- Power train12
- Electrical system11
- Seats5
- Steering4
- Unknown or other3
- Vehicle speed control3
- Seat belts3
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 9 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 10 2008 Cooper vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 6 people died inside them, and 2 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2008 MINI Cooper failed the safety check 1.98% of the time — 20% less often than the average 2008 passenger car (2.48%). Median odometer at inspection: 96,485 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Engines
The most common engines in 2008 MINI Cooper cars on Dutch roads are the 1.6 petrol (88 kW, 118 hp), 1.6 petrol (128 kW, 172 hp) and 1.6 petrol (85 kW, 114 hp), out of 7 versions with at least 20 cars.
| Engine | Power | Cars |
|---|---|---|
| 1.6 petrol | 88 kW 118 hp | 1,814 |
| 1.6 petrol | 128 kW 172 hp | 682 |
| 1.6 petrol | 85 kW 114 hp | 313 |
| 1.6 diesel | 80 kW 107 hp | 133 |
| 1.6 petrol | 125 kW 168 hp | 122 |
| 1.6 petrol | 120 kW 161 hp | 45 |
| 1.6 petrol | 155 kW 208 hp | 22 |
RDW Open Data (CC0): registered passenger cars and their fuel data · engine size rounded to 0.1 litre, net maximum power · versions with at least 20 cars
In the Netherlands
3,144 first registered in 2008 are on Dutch roads; 40% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €31,081.
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde2,002
- Overmatige vloeistoflekkage overige vloeistoffen1,464
- Band onvoldoende profiel1,072
- Dimlicht onjuist afgesteld833
- Band(en) aanwezig met een profieldiepte van 1,6 t/m 2,5 mm668
- Kentekenplaatverlichting werkt niet (goed) / ontbreekt544
- Licht- donkerscheiding dimlicht onduidelijk492
- Ruitenwisserinstallatie geeft onvoldoende zicht472
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
12,224 cars built in 2008 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 2,598 more were declared off the road (SORN).
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 795 of these cars first registered in 2008 took their annual MOT test. 62% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2008 the figure was 57%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2008 |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 16.1% | 19.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 12.3% | 6.2% |
| Brakes | 10.4% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 7.8% | 17.2% |
| Tyres | 7.2% | 7.6% |
| Visibility | 5.5% | 6.7% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
In Finland
202 of these cars first registered in 2008 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 215,000 km on the odometer at their last inspection.
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use · CC BY 4.0
In New Zealand
354 2008 cars are on the New Zealand register; 76% arrived as used imports, 21% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 2 variants: combined 7.4–8.1 L/100 km (about 29–32 mpg US), CO₂ 170–186 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooper · Minicompact · Premium gasoline | 8.3 | 6.4 | 7.4 |
| Cooper · Minicompact · Premium gasoline | 9.2 | 6.8 | 8.1 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
2 Transport Canada recalls for the 2008 MINI Cooper.
| 2023281 11 May 2023 | Electrical Issue: On certain vehicles, the footwell module (FRM) may become contaminated by a mixture of salt and moisture inside the vehicle. Over time, this can lead to… |
| 2018544 3 Oct 2018 | Electrical On certain vehicles, the footwell module (FRM3) may become contaminated by a mixture of salt and moisture which could lead to corrosion over time. This could ca… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What MINI told its dealers about the 2008 MINI Cooper: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 10245428 | Cavity protection applied to underside of the hood is leaking out onto the wheel arch trim and grille. |
| 10244507 | 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 reason, a battery replacement will permanently eliminate the problem only in the rarest of cases. The energy diagnosis test module helps to localize these causes. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle discharged battery complaints. Without performing the energy |
| 10216756 | N12 Tank leak diagnostic module (DMTL) pump:limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles |
| 10206696 | New RDC wheel electronics will be introduced with future generation MINI models. The new wheel electronics are identified as Huf Generation 5. These new wheel electronics will need to be programmed using the new tool when replaced or when depressurized (0 psi) for more than 2 minutes. |
| 10179827 | OC3 SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT - LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES: Component-Specific Limited Warranty Extension For the above-referenced vehicles, MINI USA, a division of BMW of North America, LLC (MINI USA) is extending the limited warranty for the front passenger's OC3 seat occupancy mat (shown) to: 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date. |
| 10171506 | CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: N14 HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP (HDP) SERVICE BENEFIT CLASS VEHICLES: The MINI vehicle may experience a sudden engine operational failure reduced or loss of power while driving and the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) may be illuminated along with high-pressure fuel pumprelated faults stored in the Engine Control Module (DME). PROCEDURE Perform the corresponding diagnosis/vehicle test and run the test plans to completion as applicable. |
| 10162461 | Air Conditioning System Leak Testing. The customer complains of poor or no air conditioning cooling. After further diagnosis, the system is found to be low or empty of a refrigerant charge, but when using an electronic leak detector, no leak can be found. CAUSE: In most cases, an electronic leak detector is not sufficient for identifying small leaks in the system. Electronic leak detectors can give false alarms and can lead to an improper diagnosis of small leaks. A leak cannot be located exactly if accessibility is impaired (in the case of the expansion valve, evaporator or condenser). |
| 10162460 | Service Action: Checking or Replacing the Door Sill Trim Strips. The door sill trim strips are deformed and/or peeling up at the corners. CAUSE: Insufficient surface preparation of the door sill. |
| 10153778 | OC3 SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120. |
| 10152680 | "MANUAL TRANSMISSION - STIFF DIAGONAL GEARSHIFT LEVER MOVEMENT. The customer may complain of a ""stiff diagonal shift"" (e.g., N-R, R-N, 2-3/3-2 or 4-5/5-4). Also, in some cases, gears cannot be selected, or the selector gear does not go into the neutral position. CAUSE 1. The deflection lever circlip of the gearshift mechanism is damaged or missing. 2. Possible corrosion at the gearshift mechanism (shift cables or transmission gearshift unit)" |
| 10151349 | Bluetooth Connection Failures This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI M84 01 14 dated February 2016.. There are various connectivity failures with the following devices: Apple iPhones Samsung S6 and the S6 Edge. Connectivity failure examples are: Call disconnection - Call is transferred back to the handset. In some instances the call is then transferred back to the vehicle. Contact List incomplete General connection failures Apple iOS software (issue started with iOS 8.3 continues with iOS 9.x and its variants) Samsung S6 and S6 Edge device firmware |
| 10151347 | Delay in Automatic Driving Light Switching on/off. When driving out of a tunnel or exiting underground parking, the automatic driving light remains switched on for two minutes. Shut-off period varies based on detected situation. This is normal operational behavior. |
| 10151222 | "N12 Tank Leak Diagnostic Module (DMTL) Pump: Limited Warranty Extension to 10 Years/120,000 Miles. INFORMATION This updated version of this bulletin now includes the addition of the model year 2009 R55, R56 and R57 MINI Cooper vehicles with the N12 engine. For the above-referenced vehicles, MINI USA, a division of BMW of North America, LLC (""MINI USA"") is extending the limited warranty for the Tank Leak Diagnostic Module (DMTL) Pump to: 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date Component #1: This ""component specific"" limited warranty extension applies |
| 10151060 | This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI M84 01 14 dated November 2014. SUBJECT Bluetooth Connection Failures. There are various connectivity failures with the following devices: z Apple iPhones z Samsung S6 and the S6 Edge. Connectivity failure examples are: z Call disconnection - Call is transferred back to the handset. In some instances the call is then transferred back to the vehicle. z Contact List incomplete z General connection failures z Apple iOS software (issue started with iOS 8.3 continues with iOS 9.x and its variants) z Samsung S6 and S6 Edge device firmware |
| 10150985 | ?OC3 SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES. This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 01 11 16 dated December 2016. |
| 10150357 | ?SUBJECT DWA (Anti-theft Alarm System): False Alarm Is Triggered Intermittently. When the vehicle is parked and locked (DWA active), the alarm system is triggered intermittently. One or more of the following conditions may trigger the alarm system: Sun roof in the tilted/open position, Window partially open, Excessive local noise (for example, near an airport, on a busy road, or in heavy rain) CAUSE Normal sensitivity of the interior ultrasonic sensor. |
| 10150356 | "Discharged Battery: Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed. MINI electrical systems and advancements in vehicle technology have resulted in an increased demand on the vehicle battery. This SI will help the dealer handle ""discharged battery"" complaints. A discharged battery can have various causes, most unrelated to the battery. A failed battery is often the symptom and not the cause. A fully serviceable battery fails when an electrical component causes the battery to discharge; the battery becomes internally damaged and must be replaced. For more information, refer to http://www.batteryuniversi |
| 10150347 | During Engine Oil Service a Small O-Ring Is Found in the Oil Filter Housing. No customer complaint has been received. During the scheduled engine oil service, the technician notices a black rubber o-ring lying on the bottom of the engine oil filter housing. The o-ring has been dislodged from the non-return valve inside the engine oil filter housing. No subsequent engine damage occurs from the dislodged o-ring. Engine oil filter housing (1) Rubber o-ring (2) The material dimensions of the rubber o-ring are not satisfactory, allowing it to become dislodged from its installation location. |
| 10150309 | Squeaking Noise from Front Seat. A noise may be heard from the front driver's seat back when the customer applies sideways pressure during cornering. CAUSE Surface corrosion on the metal seat back frame can make a squeaking noise when rubbing against the foam rubber padding of the seat back. |
| 10150308 | Bonnet Lock Difficult to Open or Close. The bonnet lock fails to operate correctly and is difficult to open or close. CAUSE Corrosion in the bonnet lock assembly |
| 10150305 | Adjusting Rear Camber. Rear camber cannot be adjusted properly. CAUSE Repair instructions not followed properly |
| 10150301 | DMTL Pump: Warranty Extension to 10 Years/120,000 Miles. On affected vehicles, the Tank Leak Diagnostic Module (DMTL) pump can fail. Some vehicles will have the Service Engine Soon lamp illuminated, but the vehicle's drivability and engine performance will not be reduced by this DMTL pump malfunction. |
| 10150241 | Incorrect Customer Relations Telephone Number Is Saved in the Vehicle. The customer is not connected to MINI Customer Relations after dialing the number displayed in the vehicle Kombi or radio. CAUSE During the Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI), the incorrect telephone number is being written into the vehicle. INFORMATION 1. When performing the PDI test plan, it is extremely important that you select MINI if the ISID is configured for both BMW and MINI. 2. After completion of the PDI test plan, verify that the customer relations number stored in the vehicle is correct. 3. The correct customer rela |
| 10150237 | ?N18 Engine: FC 2BF2 Rail Pressure Sensor Is Stored in DME Fault Memory. The customer states that the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated and the following fault is stored in the DME: FC 2BF2 Rail pressure sensor, workspace: pressure too high CAUSE A DME calibration error in the fuel pressure diagnostics results in an increased sensitivity. |
| 10150203 | N16 Engine: FC 2D9B Knock Sensor, Signal Is Stored in the DME. Certain areas of the US experience extremely cold climate conditions during the winter months, which can cause the Service Engine Soon lamp to illuminate while the engine temperature is increasing to full operating temperature. The following fault may be stored in the DME: ??FC 2D9B Knock Sensor, Signal CAUSE Unfavorable DME knock sensor diagnostic at outside ambient temperatures below -5 C |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)