2008 MINI Cooper Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 3%of 116 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 89,072miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the steering of the 2008 MINI Cooper, 3% of the 116 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 89,072 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“8;30 am three car intersection accident. Traffic light controlled 4 way intersection, auto traveling south bound ran red light and collided with two cars traveling east bound through intersection at approx 35 MPH.. 1st car impacted toyota Mini van drivers side. Force of accident so severe that it forced Mini van into my auto. The Mini van impacted my Mini primarily into my drivers side door. All three vehicles had to be towed from scene of accident. My Mini coopers drivers side door demolished. …”
NHTSA complaint #10705134, filed 2015-04, 103,300 miles“Mini Cooper power steering problems (2007 and 2008 models) - I noticed the reports on power steering. I have leased 2 minis and found that this was a problem when trying to parallel park in new york city. When trying to fit into a small space--which requires lots of twists, turns of the steering wheel repeatedly until car is squeezed in--the power steering on both years of both cars that I had--and the 2007 I test drove at the dealer--all popped out. It seems that repeated turning makes the power steering turn off. …”
NHTSA complaint #10358619, filed 2010-10“The contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH the steering wheel suddenly locked. The vehicle was shut off, and upon restart the failure continued. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10410254, filed 2011-07, 74,000 milesSteering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 14% |
| 2020 | 1 | 14% |
| 2019 | 4 | 33% |
| 2017 | 1 | 4% |
| 2016 | 1 | 4% |
| 2015 | 2 | 4% |
| 2014 | 2 | 6% |
| 2013 | 1 | 2% |
| 2012 | 1 | 2% |
| 2011 | 3 | 4% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 4 | 3% |
| 2008 | 4 | 3% |
| 2007 | 4 | 3% |
| 2006 | 53 | 27% |
| 2005 | 276 | 74% |
| 2004 | 238 | 84% |
| 2003 | 159 | 50% |
| 2002 | 61 | 33% |
Other parts of the 2008 MINI Cooper
44 complaintsAir bags
41 complaintsEngine cooling
13 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsSeats
5 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