2008 MINI Cooper S Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 5%of 168 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 49,200miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2008 MINI Cooper S, 5% of the 168 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 49,200 miles.
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.
“Driving my 2008 Mini Cooper S at 70mph on the highway, the vehicle lost power and died. The timing chain tensioner failed causing the motor to blow up and the timing chain popping through the valve cover, the timing chain tensioner is under a factory inspection notice, I never received a notice to inform me of the part failure. Now the engine needs replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10558403, filed 2014-01, 65,000 miles“I have owned the Mini since new. Always regularly serviced at the Mini dealer. Recently I started the engine and it sounded more like a diesel engine, very noisy and unusual. Took it to the Mini dealer and as I explained what the symptoms were, the front desk person that took my details diagnosed the problem. The preliminary diagnosis was confirmed later through an inspection by a trained technician. Like many, many Mini owners I have had a timing chain problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10505287, filed 2013-04, 49,200 miles“Vehicle makes a loud noise from the engine compartment at cold start, dealer informed me it's the timing chain and tensioner, total cost about $1950.00. Dealer informed me it's a common problem but there is no recall from Mini USA.”
NHTSA complaint #10452671, filed 2012-03, 59,302 miles“Leading up to incident car wasn't shifting smoothly and would become stuck I third gear with yellow gear light with exclamation illuminated. If you stop and turn engine off then start again the light turns off and car drives normal. Yesterday the car slammed into park while driving 25mph. Gear selector was in drive the whole time. Yellow gear light came on with exclamation mark and trip computer said cruise control malfunction. Check engine light also came on. Car would not start. Had to be towed.”
NHTSA complaint #10640153, filed 2014-09, 111,000 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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10152680Nov 1, 2018"MANUAL TRANSMISSION - STIFF DIAGONAL GEARSHIFT LEVER MOVEMENT. The customer may complain of a ""stiff diagonal shift"" (e.g., N-R, R-N, 2-3/3-2 or 4-5/5-4). Also, in some cases…
- 10134994Feb 1, 2018Aisin automatic transmisison: right side output shaft seal replacement
- 10148206Dec 1, 2014Dual Mass Flywheel: Diagnosis and Inspection. INFORMATION The following three criteria must to be checked, evaluated and the resulting findings documented on the repair order…
- 10150145Mar 1, 2013Clutch Is Slipping or Grabbing. The customer states that the clutch is slipping or grabbing.
- 10025903Jun 1, 2008Mini- r5 & r56 (cooper; cooper s) with getrag 6 speed manual transmission: complaint of an intermittent no-crank, no start situation. The clutch switch module has not been…
- 10025846Jun 1, 2008Mini: r55, r56 (cooper, cooper s) with f21 asin 6-speed automatic transmission - incorrect gear display.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 20% |
| 2016 | 2 | 20% |
| 2015 | 1 | 6% |
| 2014 | 6 | 46% |
| 2013 | 2 | 8% |
| 2012 | 1 | 4% |
| 2010 | 5 | 8% |
| 2009 | 16 | 13% |
| 2008 | 9 | 5% |
| 2007 | 26 | 10% |
| 2006 | 22 | 12% |
| 2005 | 13 | 4% |
| 2004 | 2 | 1% |
| 2003 | 8 | 4% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2008 MINI Cooper S
78 complaintsEngine cooling
43 complaintsAir bags
30 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 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