2008 MINI Cooper S problems
Owners have filed 197 complaints about the 2008 MINI Cooper S with NHTSA. Engine accounts for 39.6% of them — the clear leader, ahead of engine and engine cooling at 22.3%.
Complaints197
Crashes1
Fires12
Injuries3
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Engine 39.6% · 78
Engine and engine cooling 22.3% · 44
Air bags 15.7% · 31
Power train 4.6% · 9
Electrical system 4.1% · 8
Seat belts 2.0% · 4
Fuel/propulsion system 2.0% · 4
Structure 1.5% · 3
Severity
Of those complaints, 1 describe a crash, 12 describe a fire and 3 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 8 model years of the MINI Cooper S in this data, 2008 draws comparatively few complaints; 2005 is the outlier year.
Filings have fallen off, 11 in the last three years against 17 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 53,600 miles.
In owners' own words
At 32000 miles an oil leak was noted on the garage floor. The foreign car repair shop troubleshot the leak. Final outcome: replace supercharger assembly, vacuum brake booster pump and intake manifold gasket. Total cost $3,014.78 For a vehicle that has a trade-in value of less than $5,000. The foreign car expert was amazed that the turbo had to be replaced with such low mileage. Engine · reported at 32,094 miles
There is a leak at the oil supply line leading into to the turbo housing. This is a major oil leak and safety hazard. Oil leaking onto the hot turbo can potentially cause a fire. Aside from the potential fire hazard, the leak, had it gone unnoticed, could have caused an engine failure. The local MINI dealership said the replacement would cost around $1,000 with oem parts. Engine · reported at 73,000 miles
While driving my MINI the check engine light came on. I took it to a local repair shop that specializes in MINI's. The manager told me that the crankcase valve needs to be replaced and it is built into the valve cover. Upon inspection the mechanic also discovered my timing chain is almost ruined also. I have been hearing the timing chain rattle upon start up. Engine · reported at 29,976 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…