About two weeks ago while driving on a major highway the mini cooper suddenly died without warning. The power steering quit making the vehicle extremely difficult to steer. The car would not start. The only thing I could do was push it off the road which I did with the help of a person behind me.i had the car towed to my local import shop. They found that the motor had skipped time causing catastrophic engine failure. If I had been going faster my safety would be in jeopardy as well as other motorists. I have since learned that mini’s with the N14 engine regularly experience timing chain failure causing this. I have the invoice from the shop identifying the problem. I have checked for a warning or recall from Mini and found nothing. No warning light or msg was visible.
The worst 2008 MINI Cooper problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine57
- Airbags41
- Transmission12
- Electrical11
- Seats5
- Steering4
- Acceleration3
- Brakes3
- Fuel system3
- Seat belts3
- Body2
- Driver assistance1
- Lights1
- Tires1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 MINI Cooper
Airbag light 19Engine failure 14Stalling 7Check engine light 6
Recalls 1
Electrical system
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 23V337000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2008 MINI Cooper 98
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been...
- While performing a 12-Volt battery jump start, disconnect, or replacement, vehicle test, and/or...
- While performing a 12-Volt battery jump start, disconnect, or replacement, vehicle test, and/or...
- Cavity protection applied to underside of the hood is leaking out onto the wheel arch trim and grille.
- MINI electrical systems have continued to develop over the past few years
- New RDC wheel electronics will be introduced with future generation MINI models
- OC3 seat occupancy mat - limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles
- Class action settlement: N14 high-pressure fuel pump (hdp) service benefit class vehicles
- Checking or Replacing the Door Sill Trim Strips
- Air Conditioning System Leak Testing
2008 MINI Cooper fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4‑cyl | FWD | 26-28 | 34-37 | 29-32 |
What 2008 MINI Cooper owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 15V205000 , this recall was not for my vehicle. according to the numbers and years but, it was manufactured at the same time in 2007 . SAME AS CONVERTABLE BY THE SAME COMPANY... plus they have not fixed FRM.i boutght this car possibly 3rd hand but i regisdtered with Mini. so my codes are up and the wanring lights are there and i was wanting the information as to what the part number or serial number is for the recalled part, would that not be a way to confirm if it is part of a problem?
The contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that the rear headlight remained illuminated after turning off the vehicle. The contact was forced to put the key in and out of the ignition or disconnect the battery to resolve the issue. The contact then received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper Hardtop. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted and determined that the parts were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the parts were not available. The contact had not experienced a failure the contacts headlight went out. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the electrical system became inoperable. The contact stated that the windows, headlights, radio, and other safety features were inoperable. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had been diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the failure was caused by a rusted footwell control module. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
Occupant side airbag sensor is defective my mechanic put a code reader to verify it’s a 2008 hatchback and I see they have recalled all the convertibles but not the sedans I would think the same airbag sensor is in my car are there any updates to my car because the replacement is very very expensive and the airbag failure light is a pain to have displaying That contact added that the vehicle only had about 36,000 miles on it.
While driving the car at aproximately 25mph, the engine and the car stopped running. All dashboard warning lamps were off prior to the engine failure The car rolled to the side of the road to get out of the way of other traffic. The service engine warning lamp was on after the engine shut off and stopped running. The car was towed to a service station, and they too could not get the car to start. The mechanic's troubleshooting ultimately found the engine's internal timing chain had broken, causing multiple of other internal engine components to become damaged. The engine required detailed repair to replace the damaged engine parts to get it to start operating again. The costs for the repairs were over $5000.00.
Timing Chain and tensioner rattle. Known recall issue but not showing recall
Compare the 2008 MINI Cooper
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Questions about the 2008 MINI Cooper
Is the 2008 MINI Cooper reliable?
Owners have filed 116 complaints about the 2008 MINI Cooper, 2.1 times a typical Cooper model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.
What is the 2008 MINI Cooper year score?
The 2008 MINI Cooper scores 47 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the MINI Cooper: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 MINI Cooper?
Engine and cooling, with 57 complaints, typically around 55,000 miles. Next is airbags (41).
How many recalls does the 2008 MINI Cooper have?
1 recall, covering electrical system.
What gas mileage does the 2008 MINI Cooper get?
Official estimates for the 2008 MINI Cooper range from 29 to 32 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.6L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 26-28 city and 34-37 highway.
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