2008 MINI Cooper Clubman S Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 62%of 34 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 62,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the engine of the 2008 MINI Cooper Clubman S, 62% of the 34 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 62,500 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10608012, filed 2014-07, 51,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10523673, filed 2013-07, 62,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10510590, filed 2013-05, 77,626 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10577750, filed 2014-04, 92,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10523674, filed 2013-07, 62,500 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10059114Jul 1, 2015Mini: 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.
- 10059094Jun 1, 2015Mini: a mechanical failure and dme software error of the vanos actuators cause the engine to run rough which activates the malfunction warning light.
- 10058481Apr 1, 2015Mini: camshaft timing control intake, camshaft jamming, signal implausible, position not reached, tolerance range outside, cannot control cold start exhaust and engine running…
- 10044719Jun 1, 2012Mini: 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…
- 10044699Jun 1, 2012Mini: 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…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 21 | 62% |
Other parts of the 2008 MINI Cooper Clubman S
8 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 MINI Cooper Clubman S
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology