2008 MINI Cooper S recalls and problems
The 2008 MINI Cooper S has 4 safety recalls and 168 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any MINI dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2008 MINI Cooper S vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2008 MINI Cooper S recalls
Recall 23V-337: Electrical System
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2014 MINI Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Clubman John Cooper Works, and 2007-2013 MINI Hardtop 2-Door Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works vehicles sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin. The electronic control module in the driver's side footwell area may short-circuit, due to corrosion from water and road salt.
Risk: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the sunroof drains, interior footwell area, and FRM and, depending upon the results of the inspection, certain components will be replaced. Owner notification letters were mailed May 13, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
Recall 18V-248: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.
Risk: If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning June 11, 2018, and will receive a second notification when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at BMW 1-800-525-7417, MINI at 1-866-825-1525, or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Note: BMW recommends that owners park their vehicle outdoors until the recall remedy has been performed.
Recall 12V-008: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: Bmw is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 mini cooper s, 2008-2011 mini cooper s clubman, 2009-2011 mini cooper s convertible, 2009-2011 mini cooper jcw, 2009-2011 mini cooper jcw clubman, 2009-2011 cooper jcw convertible, and 2011 cooper s countryman passenger cars manufactured from november 14, 2006, through january 18, 2011. The electric auxiliary water pump that cools the turbocharger has an electronic circuit board that can malfunction and overheat.
Risk: The circuit board may smolder which could result in a vehicle fire.
Fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump free of charge. The safety recall beganduring february 2012. Owners may contact bmw at 1-866-275-6464.
Recall 08V-657: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: Bmw is recalling 28,450 my 2007-2008 mini cooper s vehicles. The centrally located tailpipe extension protrudes slightly beyond the rear bumper. It is possible for inadvertent contact to occur with a person's leg.
Risk: If the tailpipe extension is hot during inadvertent contact, a burn could occur.
Fix: Dealers will replace the tailpipe with a new shorter tailpipe free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during january 2009. Owners may contact bmw at 1-866-275-6464.
2008 MINI Cooper S problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 78 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 44 | |
| Air Bags | 31 | |
| Power Train | 9 | |
| Electrical System | 8 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 | |
| Seat Belts | 4 | |
| Unknown or Other | 3 | |
| Structure | 3 | |
| Visibility | 2 | |
| Seats | 2 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 |
Most reported parts
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 4
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 2
- Power Train › Manual Transmission — 2
- Structure › Body — 2
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe — 1
- Power Train › Clutch Assembly — 1
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 1
- Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 53,600 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 S complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other MINI Cooper S years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2008 MINI Cooper S have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2008 MINI Cooper S: 23V-337 (electrical system), 18V-248 (engine and engine cooling), 12V-008 (engine and engine cooling), 08V-657 (engine and engine cooling). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 MINI Cooper S?
Owners report engine problems most often (78 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (44). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 53,600 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.