2008 MINI Cooper Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 44about this part
- Share
- 38%of 116 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 63,500miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 44 complaints about the engine of the 2008 MINI Cooper, 38% of the 116 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 63,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Timing chain & tensioner my vehicle only has 85,000 miles and I have had to spend $3500.00 to change the timing chain that is supposed to be maintenance free, and last ten years as per the owners manual and service manual. Car stopped suddenly on the new jersey turnpike, very dangerous situation. This is not right that I had to pay out of pocket for a car that only has 85,000 miles, and was serviced regularly. Huge safety issue”
NHTSA complaint #10972143, filed 2017-04, 85,251 miles“Car has had issues with CVT transmission. Yesterday I was told that it needed to be replaced. At urging of other Mini owners in the same situation, I am reporting problem to your agency in hopes to have bmw recall the cars and replace the faulty transmissions.”
NHTSA complaint #10561984, filed 2014-01, 38,879 miles“I purchased a new 2008 Mini Cooper from autohaus west/Mini of st louis. The Mini Cooper was designed, manufactured, assembled, distributed and sold by bmw of north america, bmw (u.s.) holding corp., and bayerische motoren werke aktiengellschaft. I experienced a progressive failure of the timing chain, timing chain tensioner and related tensioner rail, guide rail and support rail. The timing chain had previously been represented to have a useful life equal to the life of the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10851815, filed 2016-03, 92,000 miles“In the spring 2014 I purchased a 2008 Mini Cooper 2d hatch with around 98,0000 miles for $14,000 with warranty in ivrington, nj from springfield auto group auto sales. In january 2015 I had a tune up done and the mechanic reported to me after doing a engine diagnostic test that there was a problem with my immediately reported the problem to my warranty company that was provided through my the car loan company credit acceptance. The warranty company refused to pay for engine to be dropped out of the car to find out what the problem was. …”
NHTSA complaint #10810834, filed 2015-12, 108,000 miles“Mini coopers years 2008 and 2009 have a issue which I believe is known by Mini USA, but they have failed to initiate a voluntary recall. These vehicles have a timing chain that can prematurely fail (in my case at approximately 25,000 miles). If the timing chain fails while the vehicle is being driven, it will cause the vehicle to slowly come to a full stop. In the event the vehicle is being driven in a highway, this stop could cause a severe accident that potentially can involve many vehicles. …”
NHTSA complaint #10489309, filed 2012-12, 11,700 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…
- 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.
- 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.
- 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…
- 10148391Aug 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. CAUSE The sealing plug…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 14% |
| 2019 | 1 | 8% |
| 2018 | 1 | 13% |
| 2017 | 6 | 21% |
| 2016 | 10 | 36% |
| 2015 | 14 | 25% |
| 2014 | 8 | 24% |
| 2013 | 4 | 9% |
| 2012 | 17 | 26% |
| 2011 | 12 | 14% |
| 2010 | 32 | 35% |
| 2009 | 46 | 30% |
| 2008 | 44 | 38% |
| 2007 | 30 | 26% |
| 2006 | 10 | 5% |
| 2005 | 6 | 2% |
| 2004 | 4 | 1% |
| 2003 | 7 | 2% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2008 MINI Cooper
41 complaintsEngine cooling
13 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsSeats
5 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 MINI Cooper
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