2008 MINI Cooper Convertible recalls and problems

The 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible has 1 safety recall and 9 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any MINI dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

0 / 1

Injuries / deaths

1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 MINI Cooper Convertible recalls

Recall 15V-205: Air Bags

Reported Apr 6, 2015 · 91,800 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2006 MINI Cooper and Cooper S vehicles manufactured January 5, 2005, to November 28, 2006, and 2005-2008 MINI Cooper Convertible and Cooper S Convertible vehicles manufactured January 5, 2005, to July 31, 2008. Due to manufacturing, installation, and exposure issues, the front passenger seat occupant detection mat may not function properly and, as a result, the front passenger air bag may not deploy in a crash.

Risk: An improperly functioning mat may cause the passenger frontal air bag to be inactive when the seat is occupied, and in the event of a crash, the air bag will not deploy, increasing the passenger's risk of injury.

Fix: MINI will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seat occupant detection mat, free of charge. The recall began on October 12, 2015. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.

2008 MINI Cooper Convertible problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Air Bags	3
Power Train	2
Seats	2
Steering	2
Suspension	1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 60,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Seats · at 60,000 miles · reported Sep 23, 2019

Passenger upper seat heater burned hole through seat and childs jacket while driving. The heating element is now visible and daughter received a minor burn to finger, do to melted hole in jacket from seat heater.

Steering · at 85,000 miles · reported Apr 14, 2016

Moving my mini into the garage a fire caught under the hood and the steering went out, after inspection it was found to be the power steering pump. Insurance will not cover the cost as it is a mechanical failure. I have read about the previous models being recalled for this same problem as well as class action law suits. I believe my mini may have had the same problem and that bmw should be paying for these repairs.

Steering · at 50,000 miles · reported Jan 28, 2016

Power steering failed and was unable to steer car. Power steering fluid was full. Inspected at garage and mechanic said there was no clear reason as to why the steering had failed. Did get some steering ability back but AM worried it will happen again. Vehicle had been stationary for a couple of days and steering was gone when turned car on for first time.

Air Bags · reported Oct 6, 2015

The contact owns a 2008 mini cooper convertible. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15v205000 (Air bags) and stated that the part was not available within a reasonable time frame to schedule the recall repair. The dealer did not give a specific date for when the part would become available. The manufacturer could not provide an estimated date for when the contact's vehicle would receive the recall repair. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated and remained lit for months. The failure mileage was not available.

Air Bags · at 65,000 miles · reported Apr 22, 2015

The contact owns a 2008 mini cooper convertible. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the air bag sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.

Other MINI Cooper Convertible years

2026 2025 2016 200920082007 2006 2005

Compare all MINI Cooper Convertible years · All MINI models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible: 15V-205 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible?

Owners report air bags problems most often (3 reports), followed by power train (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 60,000 miles.

Are MINI recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized MINI dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.