2008 MINI Cooper engine problems

Filed Oct 12, 2026 · Engine · KY

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.

Filed Jun 18, 2023 · Acceleration, Engine · PA

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.

Filed May 7, 2023 · Engine · TX

Timing Chain and tensioner rattle. Known recall issue but not showing recall

Filed Apr 9, 2020 · Engine · 129,000 miles · NC

Timing chain defective.

Filed Aug 2, 2019 · Engine · 58,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mini cooper. While driving 35 MPH, the vehicle began to stall without warning. The contact pulled into a left turn lane as the vehicle completely failed. The vehicle was towed to mini of the woodlands (16675 I-45, conroe, tx 77385, (936) 344-1258) where it was diagnosed that the dme (engine computer) failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 58,000.

Filed Jul 24, 2019 · Engine · 129,000 miles · MO · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mini cooper. The contact stated that the contact's daughter inadvertently bumped into the exhaust pipe located on the rear driver's side of the vehicle. As a result, she sustained a second degree burn to the right leg which required medical treatment. The manufacturer was notified regarding the incident and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 12v008000 (engine, engine cooling). The local dealer was not informed of the incident. The failure mileage was 129,000.

Filed May 6, 2019 · Engine · 32,000 miles · IL

Engine has developed the "death rattle" at low rev and low temperature , indicating a failing, defective timing chain and tensione

Filed Sep 28, 2018 · Engine · 65,000 miles · PA

Purchased from carmax (11/18/17), never informed of class action lawsuit involving the timing chain with this vehicle. After only 4 months and only a few hundred miles, the problems began. First trip to mechanic, the engine valve cover was found to be cracked. Replaced for just over $700. Less than 10 months later and well under 2000 miles, I was in transit to work, on the highway off ramp and the mini shut down completely, would not start back up. Had to be pushed off the road. Towed back to auto mechanic and another $200 to find the guide to timing chain broke off, causing engine failure. Mini was towed back to carmax to find the engine needs replaced, but will have to be replaced with the same type of engine, which can cause the same problem to happen again and again. Senior team at carmax is currently evaluating my case. Possible buy back of vehicle, still awaiting a verdict.

Filed Jul 27, 2018 · Engine · FL

Engine make a knocking sound when cold and gets laughter

Filed May 4, 2018 · Engine · 70,000 miles · OK

Timing chain failure (which LED to class action lawsuit) caused engine failure while driving on highway. Car stopped accelerating. 18 year old daughter was driving. Owners that were not aware of this lawsuit or did not vehicle at the time still affected by this defective part putting drivers in danger yet company has never issued recall.