2008 MINI Cooper S Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 78about this part
- Share
- 46%of 168 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 54,834miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 78 complaints about the engine of the 2008 MINI Cooper S, 46% of the 168 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 54,834 miles. 4 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I own a 2008 Mini Cooper S and it has 62000 miles on it. As many other Mini owners, I have rattle noise issue when cold start and popped up engine oil pressure too low warning yesterday when drove home on city street. This vehicle has had the timing chain tensioner/guide changed once before at 18,942 by a Mini dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #10852027, filed 2016-03, 61,500 miles“Turbocharger oil feed line leaking. The part is poorly designed and according to the research I've done prone to failure. The part is not covered by the cpo warranty and the dealer wanted $1400 to replace it. I replaced it myself with a better designed aftermarket part. I think Mini should cover the cost of replacing the part with a better design.”
NHTSA complaint #10560613, filed 2014-01, 68,000 miles“As I was driving the car, the hood in the front started to release smoke. There was also a smoking smell. This continued throughout the ride. Brought the car to a mechanic who indicates that the car is leaking oil onto the engine, making it extremely dangerous to drive as it can cause a fire. This problem continues to exist after I replace the oil pipe.”
NHTSA complaint #10582806, filed 2014-04, 32,000 miles“While driving my Mini the check engine light came on. I took it to a local repair shop that specializes in Mini's. The manager told me that the crankcase valve needs to be replaced and it is built into the valve cover. Upon inspection the mechanic also discovered my timing chain is almost ruined also. I have been hearing the timing chain rattle upon start up.”
NHTSA complaint #10549446, filed 2013-10, 29,976 miles“Fuel smell started to get stronger in the cabin and outside of the vehicle, but did not see any leaks on the floor till today. I also notice the green temperature notification come on today. I had my oil changed at the bmw/Mini dealer in ontario last month.”
NHTSA complaint #10905148, filed 2016-09, 97,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 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…
- 10162441Jul 12, 2019"Cooper S with N14: Diagnosis for Misfire Faults. The Service Engine Soon (MIL) lamp is illuminated and/or the customer complains that the engine runs rough (engine cold or warm)…
- 10059112Jul 1, 2015Mini: because of the dme software, and a damaged clutch, the drivetrain malfunction check message appear.
- 10059098Jul 1, 2015Mini: different faults activates engine malfunction and oil warning.
- 10059113Jun 1, 2015Mini: faulty software causes the check control and engine power reduced light to appear.
- 10059111Jun 1, 2015Mini: due to faulty dme software, the service engine lights comes on, including the check control message for motor force decrease.
- 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.
- 10147700Mar 1, 2015"Engine Cranks, No Start and/or Engine Coolant Temperature Faults. 1 The engine either exhibits a crank, no start or a hard start (long crank), usually on a cold engine. No…
- 10147108Feb 1, 2015SI M11 01 12February 2015 EngineTechnical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI M11 01 12 dated March 2014. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT N16 and…
- 10148441Nov 1, 2014N16 Engine: Oil Leak from Cylinder Head Sealing Plug. An oil leak can develop at a sealing plug located in the cylinder head, just below the vacuum pump. The sealing plug was not…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 | 40% |
| 2019 | 1 | 20% |
| 2017 | 2 | 33% |
| 2016 | 4 | 40% |
| 2015 | 3 | 17% |
| 2014 | 3 | 23% |
| 2013 | 7 | 29% |
| 2012 | 4 | 17% |
| 2011 | 16 | 52% |
| 2010 | 37 | 63% |
| 2009 | 65 | 55% |
| 2008 | 78 | 46% |
| 2007 | 94 | 38% |
| 2006 | 7 | 4% |
| 2005 | 8 | 3% |
| 2004 | 2 | 1% |
| 2003 | 5 | 2% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2008 MINI Cooper S
43 complaintsAir bags
30 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsElectrical system
8 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