2008 MINI Cooper Clubman Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2008 MINI Cooper Clubman has a Complaint Index of 67, ranking 3rd worst out of 7 model years, with a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 27 complaints, 1 recall, and 2 fires, with engine problems being the top concern at 41% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 67/100
- #3 of 7 Cooper Clubman years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 27
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
Top 2008 MINI Cooper Clubman problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine11 (41%)
- Airbags9 (33%)
- Electrical System6 (22%)
- Structure & Body4 (15%)
- Steering2 (7%)
- Brakes1 (4%)
- Fuel System1 (4%)
- Other1 (4%)
- Seat Belts1 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engine fires reported, including one case where the engine caught fire in a parking lot and fell onto the pavement.
- Cold-start engine noise described as diesel-like clattering that lasts about the first 60 seconds of idle.
- Timing chain failures where the plastic guide inside the engine casing wears out, causing loud noise.
- Speedometer readings run 4 to 6 mph faster than actual speed, throwing off odometer and fuel economy readings.
- Front passenger airbag occupancy sensor falsely indicates the seat is unoccupied, disabling the airbag even with a passenger seated.
- Unexplained pulling or drifting while driving that dealers could not duplicate or diagnose.
2008 MINI Cooper Clubman recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V337000May 11, 2023Electrical System97,933 vehicles
Electrical system
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.
Remedy: 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.
2008 compared with other Cooper Clubman years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 MINI Cooper Clubman reliable?
- Compared to other Clubman model years, 2008 ranks 3rd worst of 7 with a Complaint Index of 67 and a Caution verdict. Engine complaints, at 41% of all reports, are the top concern.
- What is the top problem area for the 2008 MINI Cooper Clubman?
- Engine issues lead with 11 complaints, 41% of the total, including reports of fire and a median failure mileage of 80,000 miles.
- Does the 2008 MINI Cooper Clubman have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 23V337000) covers the electrical system, related to sunroof drains, interior footwell area, and the FRM module on 2008-2014 Clubman models.
- How does the 2008 Clubman compare to the 2009 and 2010 model years?
- The 2009 Clubman is worse, with a Complaint Index of 100 and an Avoid verdict, while 2010 also carries an Avoid verdict at a Complaint Index of 83. The 2008 model's Complaint Index of 67 is lower than both.
- Were there any airbag problems reported for the 2008 MINI Cooper Clubman?
- Yes, airbags account for 9 complaints, 33% of the total, mostly involving the passenger seat occupancy sensor falsely showing the seat empty and disabling the airbag.