2008 MINI Cooper S Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 5%of 168 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 39,950miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the electrical system of the 2008 MINI Cooper S, 5% of the 168 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 39,950 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My car caught fire while driving. I had been driving for about an hour on the highway. There was no warning. No cel or errors on the dash display. Car was running normally. I noticed some smoke. After pulling to the side of the road flames started coming from under the hood. The car was still running normally. I shut off the motor and got out. Bystanders emptied an extinguisher through the front grille but within minutes the entire vehicle was engulfed. Car was almost completely destroyed. Fire burned through the firewall and consumed the interior.”
NHTSA complaint #11298643, filed 2020-01, 144,000 miles“I can't tell exactly the mileage of the car by the time the alarm pop up, but it was about 64k as specified above. At that time the passenger air bag alarm comes on the car with a passenger seated. It all started intermittent but after a week the light remains on all the time, along with the warning passenger air bag off . Both lights (the alarm and the warning) remains on all the time. I brought the car to the service dept. And after 117.00 for a diagnostic, they conclude that the sensor mat (oc3) sib 657506 (whatever that is) was broken and needs replacement. …”
NHTSA complaint #10551054, filed 2013-11, 64,000 miles“Passenger side air bag sensor is going off when either a passenger of average weight (150lbs.) is occupying seat or a small bump in road is hit. The air bag sensor for wiring and seat cushion replacement is no longer under a warranty for 2008 model, but is a known problem costing approximately $1200.00 to repair at the dealer. The 2002-2006 models had recall by Mini for this. Along with the below service bulletin. …”
NHTSA complaint #10587311, filed 2014-05, 39,950 miles“2008 Mini Cooper S. The vehicle had a complete electrical and engine failure with no notice. While driving on interstate 287 in nj with absolutely no notice the car lost total power. Every warning light illuminated on the dash, all gauges dropped to zero, no power whatsoever from the engine, no way to open windows or door locks as their was a complete and total electrical and mechanical failure of this vehicle - there was absolutely no notice. …”
NHTSA complaint #10350222, filed 2010-08, 24,552 miles“Car will not start, leaving you stranded. Pushing in clutch then start button, and nothing. First time was 5 weeks ago, towed to dealer, did tests, found no problem. Happened again on 4/23/2009, giggled dead man switch on clutch pedal and then started. Happened again 4/27/2009, tried giggle thing, nothing this time. Sat overnight, then started. Only common factor has been on warm spring days around 90 degrees. Will be taking back to dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #10267059, filed 2009-04, 4,500 milesRelated recalls
- 23V337000May 11, 2023BMW 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…Covers: MINI Cooper S 2007–2013, Cooper 2007–2013, JCW 2007–2013 +1 more
Related service bulletins
- 10244507Oct 25, 2023MINI 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…
- 10206696Dec 1, 2021New RDC wheel electronics will be introduced with future generation MINI models. The new wheel electronics are identified as Huf Generation 5. These new wheel electronics will…
- 10171506Jan 1, 2020CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: N14 HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP (HDP) SERVICE BENEFIT CLASS VEHICLES: The MINI vehicle may experience a sudden engine operational failure reduced or loss of…
- 10143579May 1, 2018NAVIGATION SYSTEM HAS MISSING OR INCORRECT ROAD MAP DATA: The route guidance is inaccurate and therefore irritating to the customer; or it is not possible to locate certain…
- 10150985Jan 1, 2017?OC3 SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES. This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 01 11 16 dated December 2016.
- 10146981Nov 1, 2016"USB DEVICE IS NOT DETECTED BY CHAMP2 HEAD UNIT. Media connected to the USB connector is not recognized by the audio system. Playback of files from the media is not possible…
- 10151349May 1, 2016Bluetooth Connection Failures This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI M84 01 14 dated February 2016.. There are various connectivity failures with the following devices…
- 10151060Feb 1, 2016This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI M84 01 14 dated November 2014. SUBJECT Bluetooth Connection Failures. There are various connectivity failures with the following…
- 10147904Dec 1, 2015New programming feature: Exclusion of Infotainment Control Units from Programming.
- 10059112Jul 1, 2015Mini: because of the dme software, and a damaged clutch, the drivetrain malfunction check message appear.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 20% |
| 2019 | 2 | 40% |
| 2017 | 1 | 17% |
| 2016 | 2 | 20% |
| 2015 | 2 | 11% |
| 2013 | 9 | 38% |
| 2012 | 13 | 57% |
| 2011 | 16 | 52% |
| 2010 | 4 | 7% |
| 2009 | 13 | 11% |
| 2008 | 8 | 5% |
| 2007 | 13 | 5% |
| 2006 | 23 | 12% |
| 2005 | 23 | 7% |
| 2004 | 19 | 8% |
| 2003 | 14 | 6% |
| 2002 | 9 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2008 MINI Cooper S
78 complaintsEngine cooling
43 complaintsAir bags
30 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 MINI Cooper S
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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