2008 MINI Cooper Convertible: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible: 1 recall, 9 owner complaints and up to 26 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags Vehicle recall #15V205000 · 2015 · 91,800 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (3): the most common themes are warning light on (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Seats (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Steering (2): the most common themes are steering problems (2).
The 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible has 9 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 9 Cooper Convertible model years for complaints (well below the 19 average). Complaints peaked in 2013 (2 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 55,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2007 (7 complaints, 2 recalls), 2009 (18 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 32 | 26 | Premium |
| 1.6 L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 30 | 25 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible problems?
Owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (3), transmission & drivetrain (2), seats (2).
What gas mileage does the 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible get?
EPA ratings run up to 26 mpg combined (1.6 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2008 MINI Cooper Convertible repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.