2008 MINI Cooper Problems and Repair Histories
2008 MINI Cooper problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys
See what people are saying about 2008 MINI Cooper problems
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MINI Cooper
2008 MINI Coopers for which no problems have been reported are not displayed. So the 2008 MINI Cooper problems and repair histories you see here should not be used to infer car problem frequency.
For 2008 MINI Cooper problem frequency, check the Car Reliability Survey result. For the problems behind the score, check the 2008 MINI Cooper problems and repair histories that follow it.
MINI Cooper Reliability through December 31, 2012
General NotesModels and statistics marked with an asterisk (*) have very low sample sizes. These results, visible only to logged-in members, provide only a rough estimate of car reliability.Any result under 20 repair trips per 100 cars is likely a result of the small sample size, and should be expected to increase to 20 or so in future updates.
New models often start out with high repair rates, and then improve as the manufacturer identifies and addresses common problems. MethodologyOnly successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
| Year | Make/Model | Trips/Year/100 Cars | Compared to all models for the same year | |
| 2008 | MINI Cooper Hatchback and Clubman | 30 Cooper Hatchback and Clubmans, 8.4 months of data per Cooper Hatchback and Clubman, average 40000 miles 52 |
Fewest Trips
Most Trips
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see reported repairs |
Non-members can see only ten 2008 MINI Cooper problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.
Repair costs are in local units.
2008 MINI Cooper
Engine not specified
| MINI Cooper in Ohio, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2010 | 37000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2011 | 38000 | 9200 | engine blew 330 miles after timing chain HAD to be replaced. 13000 miles left on warranty. BMW/Mini said I misused car and would not cover charges. They would not put in writing causes. will not go back. |
| Mar | 2011 | 39000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| MINI Cooper in Oregon, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2012 | First odometer entry | ||
| Jul | 2012 | 1616 | clutch went out and needed replacement at 38,780 miles. Although my car is still under warranty the dealer claims the clutch failed due to improper use or abuse. I have driven manuals for 30+ years with no clutch replacements prior to this | |
| MINI Cooper in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2010 | 24000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2010 | 25000 | 0 | I had to hire a lawyer because nation BMW would not repair my car which was still under warranty. (Rapid oil consumption & broken timing belt at 24,000) |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| MINI Cooper in Minnesota, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2010 | 43000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2011 | 45700 | 0 | Timing belt replaced. Symptoms were rough idle and noise (death rattle) on cold morning starts. |
| Apr | 2011 | 49700 | 0 | carbon buildup in cylinders caused rough idle at low speeds and finally triggered an engine light. |
| Jun | 2011 | 51000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2008 MINI Cooper 2dr Hatch
turbocharged 172hp 1.6L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| MINI Cooper in Minnesota, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2011 | 20000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2011 | 21700 | 0 | Car was in for routine oil service and dealer decided to replace brake pads under warranty |
| Jun | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| MINI Cooper in Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2009 | 13000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2010 | 20000 | 0 | Timing chain tensioner and chain replaced per technical service bulletin. Had a loud diesel like knock noise present at cold start, due to problems with original timing chain tensioner design and resultant chain stretch. |
| Sep | 2010 | 22000 | 0 | Rattle from rear hatch area. Readjusted rear hatch latch and problem was solved. |
| Dec | 2010 | 25000 | 0 | Rear hatch latch that was previously repaired became loose so the hatch would not close properly. It required realignment and tightening. |
| Sep | 2011 | 36000 | 0 | Hose from turbo to air intake kept getting loose and falling off turbo. Hose and clamps replaced. Hatch latch intermitently would not reset to allow latching unless remote or latch button was pushed again after opening the latch. It should reset automatically. Dealer replaced latch under warranty. Door handles increasingly hard to pull to activate latch to open doors. Dealer lubricated handles, problem apparently solved. |
| May | 2012 | 45000 | 708 | Turbo oil line was leaking. Apparently this is a growing issue with MINIs due to the line press fitting gasket failure due to turbo heat. The dealer replaced both turbo oil lines. There are many complaints on this issue on the MINI forum. |
| MINI Cooper in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2011 | 36000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2011 | 36000 | 0 | Decarbonize intake valves for second time. Issue caused by DI head design, no fuel to wash out the oil from the crank case breathing system so it can be burned. Later sold to avoid having to pay for intake cleaning out of warranty. |
2008 MINI Cooper 2dr Hatch
turbocharged 172hp 1.6L I4 6-speed manual FWD
| MINI Cooper in Mississippi, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2009 | 8000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2009 | 14000 | 110 | Door handle began to malfunction requiring multiple attempts to open door. The door handle is the comfort access with the keyless entry radio transmitter. The part was ordered and was in within 3 days. |
| Jul | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| MINI Cooper in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2011 | 22000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2012 | 27300 | 0 | Valve cover leak, Aux water pump replaced |
| Apr | 2012 | 28000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| MINI Cooper in Colorado, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2012 | 43000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2013 | 45000 | 150 | Technicians detected a rattle on start up. Tensioner was just beginning to fail. Chain was measured, but had not stretched out of spec. Tensioner was replaced |
| Mar | 2013 | 45000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| MINI Cooper in Vermont, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2009 | 9000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2010 | 15000 | 0 | loud rattle at cold start, dealer replaced belt tensioner window motor quit working, rolled window half way down when rolled all the way up, auto window close did not work. software flash resolved. |
| Mar | 2011 | 31000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| MINI Cooper in New Jersey, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2008 | 6000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2009 | 10000 | 0 | Windows incorrectly dropping for anti-pinch protection. Footwell module ordered. |
| Jul | 2009 | 11000 | 0 | Replaced footwell module to solve window problem. |
| Sep | 2009 | 14000 | 0 | Hood scoop melted & replaced under warranty |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2008 MINI Cooper 2dr Hatch
118-horsepower 1.6L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| MINI Cooper in Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2012 | 50000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2012 | 55000 | 520 | Front pads and rotors replaced. Rear pads replaced. |
| Mar | 2013 | 64000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| MINI Cooper in Maryland, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2012 | 1300 | There was a leak in engine coolant. had to replace the gasket; and the pump. It was covered by extended warranty but I don't think it should have happened in such a short time. | |
| Jan | 2013 | 49000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| MINI Cooper in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2008 | 7000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2009 | 7000 | 0 | Replaced all four fuel injectors due to oxygen mix problem. |
| Jun | 2009 | 10000 | 0 | Faulty clamp to catalytic converter caused the oxygen mix to be all messed up and CEL light to constantly warn. Dealer fixed clamp and assured me that this issue has been put to bed. We'll see. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2008 MINI Cooper 2dr Hatch
118-horsepower 1.6L I4 6-speed manual FWD
| MINI Cooper in Finland | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2009 | 11780 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2012 | 37820 | 150 | ABS fault |
| Jan | 2013 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| MINI Cooper in New Hampshire, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2011 | 31000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2012 | 65000 | 464 | water pump leak, clacked plastic housing |
| Apr | 2013 | 69000 | 150 | Remote control in key stopped working |
| MINI Cooper in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2009 | 14000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2009 | 19000 | 0 | Minor problem with windows not closing correctly - no auto-up on passenger's window, and sometimes required a few tries to get it closed even manually. |
| Oct | 2009 | 32000 | 0 | Gas gauge reading sometimes inaccurate. Repaired even though they couldn't see it happen. |
| Jun | 2010 | 45000 | 0 | Driver's mirror noisy (squeaky). Replaced but still noisy. Window auto-close function broken again. |
| Mar | 2013 | 92000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| MINI Cooper in British Columbia, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2009 | 1240 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2009 | 2480 | 150 | Sunroof stuck when warm out. Lubricated and re-aligned. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| MINI Cooper in Nebraska, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2008 | 7000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2009 | 12000 | 0 | A broken clutch pedal spring was replaced |
| Jan | 2010 | 14000 | 0 | passenger window wouldn't automatically go up. |
| Sep | 2010 | 20000 | 0 | Check engine light came on. Service department determined that the thermostat housing needed to be replaced and work was finished in a couple of hours. |
| Oct | 2011 | 26000 | 0 | Airbag warning light on. Diagnosed as a faulty sensor in the driver's seat that controls the rate of airbag inflation. |
| Mar | 2013 | 42000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| MINI Cooper in British Columbia, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2008 | 2480 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2009 | 3080 | 0 | Warranty repair - drivers door window not operating correctly - required computer reinitialization |
| Dec | 2009 | 7440 | 0 | Known problem with window computer - computer loses track of the window position and does not roll up or down properly. Fixed by recoding the computer module. |
| Aug | 2010 | 10840 | 0 | Broken clutch return spring on clutch pedal. |
| Jun | 2012 | 18600 | 0 | Rattle behind dash that was repaired. |
| Mar | 2013 | 22320 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| MINI Cooper in Massachusetts, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2008 | 9000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2010 | 32000 | 0 | Service light came on. it was about a month early, but that is OK. I will probably have to go back in 4 months for oil change. |
| Dec | 2012 | 52000 | 250 | Computer had to have software updated or reinstalled to fix a problem with the passenger window rolling up but not staying up: It immediately would Goode 6" |
| MINI Cooper in Virginia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2008 | 9000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2009 | 9000 | 0 | Passenger air bag light illuminates, meaning the air bag has been disabled in spite of there being a fullgrown passenger of sufficient weight seated properly. Driver's side window malfunction - window was "possessed" and opened halfway automatically when driver tried to close the window. |
| Feb | 2009 | 10000 | 0 | Window malfunction - auto up failed and when closed using switch, window would automatically open halfway. |
| Jun | 2009 | 11000 | 0 | submitted lemon-law paperwork; dealer could not replicate for our 2008 MINI, but the service manager and head mechanic did witness this problem when we test drove a dealer-buyback 2009 to replace the 2008 |
Expert 2008 MINI Cooper Repair Advice
Non-members can see only ten 2008 MINI Cooper problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.
