2008 MINI Cooper Clubman S
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › MINI › Cooper Clubman S › 2008
These records cover every 2008 MINI Cooper Clubman S. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
34 complaints1 involved a crash1 involved a fire1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags · Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification
The contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The contact used an OBD scanner and retrieved a DTC regarding the passenger seat occupant…
The contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The contact used an OBD scanner and retrieved a DTC regarding the passenger seat occupant detection sensor. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V205000 (Air Bags) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.
- Engine
My 2008 MINI cooper s clubman appears to be having a problem with the tim ing chain tensioner and timing chain. The noise IS steadily getting worse. after reading about the class action lawsuits around the united states I am now afraid to drive the car. If the timing chain desires to come apart on…
My 2008 MINI cooper s clubman appears to be having a problem with the tim ing chain tensioner and timing chain. The noise IS steadily getting worse. after reading about the class action lawsuits around the united states I am now afraid to drive the car. If the timing chain desires to come apart on the freeway the sudden loss of steering and brakes could cause a major accident by engine seizing up if the timing chain let's go. Also the damage to the engine would cost so much it would not be worth fixing.leaving us with a $7500 owed on a vehicle we cannot use.
- Air bags
Air bag light on.
- Air bags
Airbags did not deploy in accident at 40mph due to sensor failure. deceleration was extreme enough to fracture my back and cause chest injuries from striking steering wheel. MINI cooper rearended a suburban truck that was stopped at intersection causing engine to break loose from mounts and hood to crumple. sensors for airbags should have deployed at the speed and impact.
- Engine
I have had major problems with my engine ever since I have had my MINI cooper s clubman. The turbo IS loose, there IS oil burning off of my engine, and it makes terrible screeching sounds that come from the engine. I have just learned that it IS common for a MINI cooper to have problems with its…
I have had major problems with my engine ever since I have had my MINI cooper s clubman. The turbo IS loose, there IS oil burning off of my engine, and it makes terrible screeching sounds that come from the engine. I have just learned that it IS common for a MINI cooper to have problems with its timing chain; thus, causing this terrible sound and all those other problems. I did not know it was the timing chain, and now they are having a recall on most of there models that are from the same year as mine. My car whenever I brake makes screeching noises that come from my engine, and I'm worried that this poor engine design will cause me to get in an accident. Now I have to pour money into getting a new timing chain, even though MINI cooper IS now know for having terrible timing chains.
- Engine
Timing chain jumped off of dead center. Had to replace timing chair to new upgraded assembly. Cost was around $1200.00. Upset because this has been happening to a lot of MINI coopers. Should have some kind of recall to consumers. BMW knows about this.was driving home from out of state.
- Engine
The timing chain was replaced at 90,000 mile and and now need to be replaced at 104,000 miles
- Air bags
Airbag warning light would come on intermittantly with a passenger in the seat. now stays on all the time with or without a passenger. bad passenger seat mats are under recall in MINI cooper convertibles but not covered in clubman. $1200 repair IS required and uses same part as the convertible. IS recall being expanded?
- Air bags · Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
Vehicle started having trouble turning on and when it did come on a loud clanking noise began. The car could barely go over 30mph. 3 hr. Drive took us almost 6 hours to get to dealership. Dealership states it IS the timing chain and the oil pan needs to be replaced.we found excessive water in the…
Vehicle started having trouble turning on and when it did come on a loud clanking noise began. The car could barely go over 30mph. 3 hr. Drive took us almost 6 hours to get to dealership. Dealership states it IS the timing chain and the oil pan needs to be replaced.we found excessive water in the spare wheel hub. The brake light sensor would not go off, airbag light appeared, a knocking noise in the gas tank consisted. Etc.
- Engine
The car developed engine trouble at 51,934 miles. We called otto's MINI dealership and were told that the car was no longer under warranty. We then took car to a local repair shop and were told that the engine needed replacing due to faulty timing chain that resulted in extensive damage to the…
The car developed engine trouble at 51,934 miles. We called otto's MINI dealership and were told that the car was no longer under warranty. We then took car to a local repair shop and were told that the engine needed replacing due to faulty timing chain that resulted in extensive damage to the cylinder head and pistons. Upon researching this problem it appears that it IS very common. We proceeded with the repair at the local shop and filed with MINI to request coverage. Coverage was denied since we did not have car serviced at the dealer. The nature of this repair and the large number of reported issues would suggest one to expect MINI to stand behind their product. *tr
- Engine
The oil supply line to the turbo on this car leaks due to a poor design. the part(s) used by the manufacturer are not suitable for the application and fail, causing not only an oil leak, but a potential turbo failure, and worse, the potential for an engine fire, as the oil leaks onto a hot turbo…
The oil supply line to the turbo on this car leaks due to a poor design. the part(s) used by the manufacturer are not suitable for the application and fail, causing not only an oil leak, but a potential turbo failure, and worse, the potential for an engine fire, as the oil leaks onto a hot turbo charger and exhaust manifold/downpipe. the oil line uses a compression fitting where it attaches to the turbo body. This fitting uses an internal rubber o-ring/seal that IS subjected to high heat, and heat cycles every time the car IS run. rubber seals fail under these conditions! the manufacturer (mini/bmw) IS aware of the problem, and IS doing nothing to correct it. (it's very expensive repair) instead, the manufacturer IS providing a "band-aid fix" by supplying a "heat shield" that attaches to the fitting. this will do little-to-nothing to prevent the rubber o-ring from failing, nor does it fix a line that IS already leaking. this failure occurs, typically, after the car IS out of warranty. it's a serious design flaw, and should be a recall item due to the safety issue it creates. *tr
- Engine
The bango fitting on top of the turbo started randomly and excessively leaking oil while idling in my driveway. could have caused a fire. going to have to replace the oil intake line, oil, and do a engine cleaning. this IS very dangerous and could have easily started a fire with oil pouring over a hot turbo. *tr
- Engine
We started our 2008 MINI clubman s in a parking lot and it immediately indicated a check engine light (cel) for 'limp' mode. upon further inspection, the upper guide rail for the timing chain had shattered. the odbii codes were p0300, random mis-fire, p0301 mis-fire cylinder 1, p0303 mis-fire cylinder 3 and p1492, downstream throttle air leak. *tr
- Engine
I am deaf I drive my 2008 MINI clubman s my mother , brother and friend heard my engine noise engine ,i don't know I can't hear so I open oil cap I saw brown plastic piece I found timing chain guide IS bad, that IS short life that IS wrong. *tr
- Engine
In november the dealer informed me my oil feed lines to the turbo were leaking and would need to be replaced soon. After doing some research I have found the couplings that attaches these lines to the turbo are defective. on the internet there are hundreds of complaints about this issue. The…
In november the dealer informed me my oil feed lines to the turbo were leaking and would need to be replaced soon. After doing some research I have found the couplings that attaches these lines to the turbo are defective. on the internet there are hundreds of complaints about this issue. The dealer says there IS not a recall and will cost approx: $1200.00. the dealer also said the new couplings are manufactured by a new company and the defect has been fixed. with so many effective shouldn't MINI be fixing this issue. *tr
- Engine
I was a victim of the "death rattle" from the timing chain tensioner failure. Luckily for me, I researched the noise when I first heard it and was able to get it fixed before it destroyed my entire engine (although MINI refused to pay for the repairs). But owners who are not aware of issue may keep…
I was a victim of the "death rattle" from the timing chain tensioner failure. Luckily for me, I researched the noise when I first heard it and was able to get it fixed before it destroyed my entire engine (although MINI refused to pay for the repairs). But owners who are not aware of issue may keep driving their car to the point of failure which could lead to a fatal crash. It IS a poorly manufactured part that IS creating the problem which can be easily fixed. *tr
- Engine
Thermostat failure, as diagnosed by dealer. car undriveable. world wide bac korder on the part for 2007-2010 MINI coopers. no known date of when the part will be available (or if) and the dealer in bedford nh, stated over 17,000 of these parts are on backorder. a failed thermostat can lead to…
Thermostat failure, as diagnosed by dealer. car undriveable. world wide bac korder on the part for 2007-2010 MINI coopers. no known date of when the part will be available (or if) and the dealer in bedford nh, stated over 17,000 of these parts are on backorder. a failed thermostat can lead to stranded motorists, engine overheating and extensive engine damage. this part IS notorious for premature failure. should this not be a recallable issue? *jb
- Engine · Power train
While driving up an incline on a semi-rural road in orange county, ca, my car appeared to be unable to shift gears (it IS an automatic transmission). my head lurched forward and back again forcefully, and I was unable to drive more than 20 mph on a 60 mph speed limit road for the next mile, until…
While driving up an incline on a semi-rural road in orange county, ca, my car appeared to be unable to shift gears (it IS an automatic transmission). my head lurched forward and back again forcefully, and I was unable to drive more than 20 mph on a 60 mph speed limit road for the next mile, until I arrived at my destination. luckily no one was close behind me, or I could have been rear-ended, and luckily I was close to my final destination. I drive a 2008 MINI cooper clubman s, automatic with paddle shifters. it IS about $8,300 to $9,700 to repair it (2 different repair quotes obtained). *tr
- Engine
The thermostat housing had a small crack in it resulting in excessive coolant leak. due to lack of temperature gauge and no warning light, I was unable to tell that my engine was overheating. this problem IS due to a faulty plastic thermostat housing. *tr
- Engine
Engine had a cold start rattle for a long time. then while driving, the rattle got worse and after being diagnosed at the dealership, it was due to the plastic timing guide breaking due to not enough tension on the timing chain. I had to stop driving immediately and get my car towed to the dealership. My warranty had ran out shortly before the incident. *tr
- Engine
Oil leak from top of turbo oil line connector near banjo bolt. this IS due to a faulty o-ring from the manufacturer. *tr
- Engine
I have an oil leak on the passenger side that IS coming from the tensioner location. The oil IS dripping on the exhaust causing steam to rise from the engine. I am afraid that the car will eventually burn enough oil to catch on fire. I will tow the car to braman MINI palm beach (purchased car here too) and see if they can diagnose the problem. *tr
- Engine
I just purchased a pre-owned 2008 MINI cooper s 2months ago... I just started having a cold start issue since when I bought the car it was hot out and now since the temp has dropped the car has a chatter coming from the engine bay. I have searched all over the internet and I have seen there are…
I just purchased a pre-owned 2008 MINI cooper s 2months ago... I just started having a cold start issue since when I bought the car it was hot out and now since the temp has dropped the car has a chatter coming from the engine bay. I have searched all over the internet and I have seen there are many coopers with the same issue and many have replaced timing chains for almost $2000 and the manufacturer isn't bringing a recall to attention. I work in a dealership as a sales person and many mechanics are saying IS a timing issue. I feel loss of power and now feel the car can die at any moment. Please make MINI open and investigation in this matter. *tr
- Engine
These cars come with a faulty timing chain. MINI cooper won't do a recall on the vehicle. I am having to pay 1500.00 to fix this issue and the I have no warranty. I have heard from many and seen the reviews about this issue. It happens to vehicle owners with less miles. MINI needs to make a recall…
These cars come with a faulty timing chain. MINI cooper won't do a recall on the vehicle. I am having to pay 1500.00 to fix this issue and the I have no warranty. I have heard from many and seen the reviews about this issue. It happens to vehicle owners with less miles. MINI needs to make a recall for this issue. These are pricey cars but if MINI has done a malfunctions while building the car they should own up to it and get it fix. *tr
- Engine
I own a 08 MINI cooper clubman with 48,000 miles and the warranty just ran out on june 2812: I took it in for a repair in may and no one at this dealer mentioned the timing belt tensioner! I was driving down my road and thank god the speed limit was only 35 when suddenly the belt jumped and my car…
I own a 08 MINI cooper clubman with 48,000 miles and the warranty just ran out on june 2812: I took it in for a repair in may and no one at this dealer mentioned the timing belt tensioner! I was driving down my road and thank god the speed limit was only 35 when suddenly the belt jumped and my car lost its engine: took it to my local station and they looked inside and said something came loose from the inside of engine and tore it up and I need a new engine: so I called dealer and corp and they say I need to spend money to get their techs to look at it and not my mechanic:so I got on line and investigated the problem and found this IS a common problem from MINI with a defective tensioner which out of no where without warning flies off: MINI refuses to fix these problems and every mechanic says it IS not the owners problem and a belt should never fly off: further the belt on LT breaks when it flies in the pistons and breaks other parts of the engine: MINI will wait until someone IS killed while driving down a highway and it needs to be addressed! A complaint IS signed with over 850 signing it and hope many more but I still think it IS a serious issue enough where you should get involved: MINI IS screwing the people and refuse to admit this IS a defective part and in most cases wont pay for the new engine while we still owe thousands on the car: please get involved and make MINI corp pay for the damages that they cause by refusing to fix this problem once and for all: no timing belt should have to be adjusted and surely a timing belt should last 80,000 miles: this company IS cheap and IS waiting for a disaster!! Please please help the people and make MINI take care of their faulty parts!!![xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Engine compartment fire
In a January 10, 2012 letter to NHTSA, BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) identifying a defect in the electric auxiliary water pump in approximately 88,911 model year (MY) 2007-2011 Mini Cooper vehicles manufactured from November 14, 2006 through January 18, 2011 (Recall…
In a January 10, 2012 letter to NHTSA, BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) identifying a defect in the electric auxiliary water pump in approximately 88,911 model year (MY) 2007-2011 Mini Cooper vehicles manufactured from November 14, 2006 through January 18, 2011 (Recall 12V-008).According to BMW, the auxiliary water pump on vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder turbocharged engines may overheat.Electro-migration can cause the pump electronic circuit board to overheat resulting in smoldering of the water pump. If smoldering occurs, it may lead to an engine compartment or vehicle fire.The pump supplier, Pierburg Pump Technology GmbH, redesigned the pump to address factors that may contribute to circuit board overheating.The redesigned pumps were completely implemented in production vehicles by January 2011.Recall 12V-008 was the third recall initiated by BMW to address electric auxiliary water pump fires in vehicles equipped with Pierburg pumps.In two October 20, 2011 letters to NHTSA, BMW submitted DIRs for similar auxiliary water pump defect conditions in approximately 32,084 MY 2008-2011 BMW 5-Series, 7-Series, X5 and X6 models equipped with 8- and 12-cylinder engines and manufactured from May 2008 through December 2010 (Recall 11V-521); and for approximately 589 MY 2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost vehicles manufactured from September 2009 through September 2010 (Recall 11V-522).In three separate April 5, 2012 letters to NHTSA, BMW submitted amendments to Recalls 11V-521, 11V-522 and 12V-008.The amendments all described a common defect condition related to a manufacturing process deviation in a certain production range of the redesigned Pierburg water pumps that could result in cracks in the pump housing, which may allow coolant to enter and contact the pump?s circuit board.BMW indicated that further analysis identified a specific machine process error at the sub-supplier that manufactures the water pump housing.Pump housing cracks may cause the circuit board to overheat and lead to smoldering of the water pump.Recall 12V-008 was, thus, amended to include approximately 1,457 MY 2011 Mini Cooper vehicles manufactured from March 31, 2011 through April 22, 2011, when pumps manufactured with the suspect manufacturing process may have been used in vehicle assembly.The amendment to Recall 11V-521 was assigned a new recall number, Recall 12V-161, and covered approximately 2,846 MY 2011-2012 BMW 5-Series, 6-Series, 7-Series, X5, and X6 vehicles manufactured from April 1, 2011 through August 1, 2011.The amendment to Recall 11V-522 was assigned a new recall number, Recall 12V-166, and covered approximately 69 MY 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost vehicles manufactured from April 7, 2011 through June 2, 2011.The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) analyzed complaint data provided by BMW as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers. In total, there were 30 unique Mini Cooper reports indicating engine fire.In addition, BMW provided warranty data showing 493 claims for replacement of the subject component on Mini Cooper vehicles.Owners of the recalled vehicles are notified to take their vehicle to a BMW dealer, who will replace the auxiliary water pump to prevent any incidents related to this issue.This preliminary evaluation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers (ODI Nos.):10286597, 10286663, 10289793, 10310677, 10314796, 10342365, 10394808, 10394192, 10403982, 10418325, 10422646, 10429003.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10244507MINI 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 diagnosis test plan, the root cause of a discharged battery cannot be identified. In order to properly repair the vehicle the first time, it is very important that the diagnostic test plan is performed to completion; with all results taken into consideration.
- 10059114MINI: faulty software for the tank ventilation control displays engine throttle reaction when temperature IS high outside, and more obvious if the tank IS only partly filled.
- 10059094MINI: a mechanical failure and dme software error of the vanos actuators cause the engine to run rough which activates the malfunction warning light.
- 10058481MINI: camshaft timing control intake, camshaft jamming, signal implausible, position not reached, tolerance range outside, cannot control cold start exhaust and engine running rough with malfunction warning illuminated due to software issue.
- 10057570MINI: some vehicles have turbocharger noise and a lack or loss of performance, due to restriction of turbocharger oil supply, resulting in oil starvation and seizing of turbocharger assembly. Model all.
- 10044719MINI: there IS a software error causing the service engine soon light to be illuminated that IS related to valvetronic diagnostics. Models R55, R56, R58, R57, R60, R59. No model years listed.
- 10044699MINI: when resealing engine oil pan, engine oil pan gasket replacement should no longer be used due to causing sealing flange becoming deformed. Models R55, R56, R59, R60, R57, and R58. No model years listed.
- 10043722MINI: information provided regarding procedure of replacing fuel level sensor due to failure on the right and/or left side.
- 10040741BMW: engine too hot message IS displayed with stored trouble codes. The water pump doesnt power up.
- 10040664BMW service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. There may be a problem with a vapor recovery pump which will cause the service engine soon light to come on.
- 10039593BMW: the airbag warning light IS on with a fault stored. The wiring under the seat may be pinched or damaged.
- 10037305BMW: description and specifications of crankcase ventilation system.
- 10028785MINI: service engine soon or check gas cap warning IS illuminated: tank leakage. Leakage IS detected in the tank ventilation or evaporative system.
- 10028385MINI: to improve customer satisfaction with frm related complaints, an enhancement technical support (teileclearing) process has been developed to help identify the root causes of these complaints.
- 10028369BMW MINI: air bag warning lamp illuminated and either fc 93B0 or 93B1 (driver or passenger head air bag-short to negative) IS stored in the acsm (advanced crash safety module). Models R55 (cooper clubman, cooper clubman s).
- 10026789MINI: check svs function. On certain vehicles, the voice input system (svs sa 620) does not function. The svs was not installed in the vehicles.
- 10026767MINI: turbocharger failure; oil supply line blockage. Loss of performance and turbocharger noise. Updated 8/16/11.
- 10026766MINI: rear split door opening problems. One or both of the rear split doors intermittently have functional problems. The door(s) may not unlatch when the lever on the handle IS pulled or the latch may release unexpectedly without being pulled. Updated 7/10/09.
- 10026570Bmw(mini): transmission - various egs faults caused by wiring harness damage. Difficult to engage the d or r gears from park position; gear shifts are extremely harsh during drive; intermittently the transmission warning light may be displayed.