2008 MINI Cooper S: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2008 MINI Cooper S: 4 recalls, 168 owner complaints and up to 29 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #08V657000 · 2008 · 28,450 vehicles
What's wrong: The centrally located tailpipe extension protrudes slightly beyond the rear bumper. It is possible for inadvertent contact to occur with a person's leg.
Why it matters: If the tailpipe extension is hot during inadvertent contact, a burn could occur.
The fix: Dealers will replace the tailpipe with a new shorter tailpipe free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during January 2009.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #12V008000 · 2012 · 90,368 vehicles
What's wrong: The electric auxiliary water pump that cools the turbocharger has an electronic circuit board that can malfunction and overheat.
Why it matters: The circuit board May smolder which could result in a vehicle fire.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump free of charge. The safety recall beganduring February 2012.
Engine & cooling, Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #18V248000 · 2018 · 47,806 vehicles
What's wrong: The electric auxiliary water pump May fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.
Why it matters: If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
The 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…
Electrical Vehicle recall #23V337000 · 2023 · 97,933 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 10 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (78): the most common themes are leaks (30), noise or vibration (28), fire / smoke (20).
- Engine & cooling (43): the most common themes are noise or vibration (22), fire / smoke (7), overheating (4).
- Airbags (30): the most common themes are warning light on (12), fails to deploy (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (9): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (3), noise or vibration (3), warning light on (2).
The 2008 MINI Cooper S has 168 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 22 Cooper S model years for complaints (2.1× the average Cooper S year). Complaints peaked in 2013 (31 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 53,600 miles. Neighboring years: 2007 (249 complaints, 4 recalls), 2009 (119 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 34 | 29 | Premium |
| 1.6 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 32 | 27 | 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 S.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2008 MINI Cooper S have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2008 MINI Cooper S. 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 S problems?
Owners have filed 168 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (78), engine & cooling (43), airbags (30).
What gas mileage does the 2008 MINI Cooper S get?
EPA ratings run up to 29 mpg combined (1.6 L, Manual 6-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2008 MINI Cooper S 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.