ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2008 MINI Cooper
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 115 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2008 MINI Cooper, most frequently naming the engine, airbags and electrical categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 97 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 2013 | 2 | 33 |
| Jul 2013 | 1 | 34 |
| Sep 2013 | 2 | 36 |
| Dec 2013 | 1 | 37 |
| Jan 2014 | 2 | 39 |
| Feb 2014 | 1 | 40 |
| Mar 2014 | 1 | 41 |
| Apr 2014 | 1 | 42 |
| Jul 2014 | 1 | 43 |
| Sep 2014 | 1 | 44 |
| Oct 2014 | 1 | 45 |
| Jan 2015 | 3 | 48 |
| Mar 2015 | 1 | 49 |
| Apr 2015 | 2 | 51 |
| May 2015 | 1 | 52 |
| Jun 2015 | 3 | 55 |
| Jul 2015 | 1 | 56 |
| Aug 2015 | 1 | 57 |
| Sep 2015 | 2 | 59 |
| Oct 2015 | 1 | 60 |
| Dec 2015 | 3 | 63 |
| Feb 2016 | 1 | 64 |
| Mar 2016 | 2 | 66 |
| Apr 2016 | 2 | 68 |
| May 2016 | 2 | 70 |
| Jun 2016 | 2 | 72 |
| Jul 2016 | 3 | 75 |
| Aug 2016 | 2 | 77 |
| Sep 2016 | 1 | 78 |
| Nov 2016 | 1 | 79 |
| Jan 2017 | 1 | 80 |
| Apr 2017 | 1 | 81 |
| Jul 2017 | 1 | 82 |
| Aug 2017 | 1 | 83 |
| Sep 2017 | 1 | 84 |
| Oct 2017 | 1 | 85 |
| Nov 2017 | 1 | 86 |
| Jan 2018 | 1 | 87 |
| May 2018 | 1 | 88 |
| Jul 2018 | 2 | 90 |
| Sep 2018 | 2 | 92 |
| May 2019 | 1 | 93 |
| Jul 2019 | 2 | 95 |
| Aug 2019 | 1 | 96 |
| Apr 2020 | 1 | 97 |
| Jul 2020 | 1 | 98 |
| Jan 2021 | 1 | 99 |
| Feb 2021 | 1 | 100 |
| Mar 2021 | 2 | 102 |
| Feb 2022 | 1 | 103 |
| Jun 2022 | 1 | 104 |
| Sep 2022 | 1 | 105 |
| Dec 2022 | 1 | 106 |
| May 2023 | 1 | 107 |
| Jun 2023 | 2 | 109 |
| Sep 2023 | 1 | 110 |
| Oct 2023 | 2 | 112 |
| Dec 2023 | 1 | 113 |
| Apr 2024 | 1 | 114 |
| Jul 2024 | 1 | 115 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Engine5637.6%
- Airbags4127.5%
- Electrical117.4%
- Powertrain (other)117.4%
- Interior & seats53.4%
- Steering42.7%
- Driver assistance42.7%
- Seat belts32.0%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
1 campaign cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govRecent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V205000 , this recall was not for my vehicle. according to the numbers and years but, it was manufactured at the same time in 2007 . SAME AS CONVERTABLE BY THE SAME COMPANY... plus they have not fixed FRM.i boutght this car possibly 3rd hand but i regisdtered with Mini. so my codes are up and the wanring lights are there and i was wanting the information as to what the part number or serial number is for the recalled part, would that not be a way to confirm if it is part of a problem?
- NHTSA ID
- 11601311
- Incident
- Jun 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that the rear headlight remained illuminated after turning off the vehicle. The contact was forced to put the key in and out of the ignition or disconnect the battery to resolve the issue. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- NHTSA ID
- 11582570
- Incident
- Jul 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- NHTSA ID
- 11558355
- Incident
- Dec 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper Hardtop. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted and determined that the parts were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the parts were not available. The contact had not experienced a failure the contacts headlight went out. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- NHTSA ID
- 11549195
- Incident
- Oct 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- NHTSA ID
- 11548022
- Incident
- Oct 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Mini Cooper. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the electrical system became inoperable. The contact stated that the windows, headlights, radio, and other safety features were inoperable. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had been diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the failure was caused by a rusted footwell control module. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11547134
- Incident
- May 28, 2023
- Mileage
- 89,000 mi
Occupant side airbag sensor is defective my mechanic put a code reader to verify it’s a 2008 hatchback and I see they have recalled all the convertibles but not the sedans I would think the same airbag sensor is in my car are there any updates to my car because the replacement is very very expensive and the airbag failure light is a pain to have displaying That contact added that the vehicle only had about 36,000 miles on it.
- NHTSA ID
- 11528729
- Incident
- Jun 1, 2023
While driving the car at aproximately 25mph, the engine and the car stopped running. All dashboard warning lamps were off prior to the engine failure The car rolled to the side of the road to get out of the way of other traffic. The service engine warning lamp was on after the engine shut off and stopped running. The car was towed to a service station, and they too could not get the car to start. The mechanic's troubleshooting ultimately found the engine's internal timing chain had broken, causing multiple of other internal engine components to become damaged. The engine required detailed repair to replace the damaged engine parts to get it to start operating again. The costs for the repairs were over $5000.00.
- NHTSA ID
- 11527586
- Incident
- May 19, 2023
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 186,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While performing a 12-Volt battery jump start, disconnect, or replacement, vehicle test, and/or programming procedure- the MINI Footwell Module (FRM) may become unresponsive. As a result, one or more of the following vehicle electric system-related issues may occur: Headlights including the high beams, and/or taillights are not turning on or off Interior lights are not turning on Turn indicators are not working Instrument cluster indicator lights stay on The IHKA climate control system is not working Power windows are not working Folding mirrors are not working, and/or a Functional remote-control key FOB will not unlock and lock the doors
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 186,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.
STRUCTURE
Cavity protection applied to underside of the hood is leaking out onto the wheel arch trim and grille.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MINI electrical systems have continued to develop over the past few years. As a result, the demand on the batteries has increased. Breakdowns due to an empty battery or problems in the vehicles electrical system can have various causes, most of which are not due to the battery itself. For this reason, a battery replacement will permanently eliminate the problem only in the rarest of cases. The energy diagnosis test module helps to localize these causes. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle âÂÂdischarged batteryâ complaints. Without performing the energy diagnosis test plan, the root cause of a discharged battery cannot be identified. In order to properly repair the vehicle the first time, it is very important that the diagnostic test plan is performed to completion; with all results taken into consideration.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT; WHEELS
New RDC wheel electronics will be introduced with future generation MINI models. The new wheel electronics are identified as Huf Generation 5. These new wheel electronics will need to be programmed using the new tool when replaced or when depressurized (0 psi) for more than 2 minutes.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | 1 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 2024 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2023 | 7 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2022 | 6 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2021 | 7 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 2020 | 7 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 2019 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 45.5 |
| 2018 | 8 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2017 | 28 | 3 | 0 | 55.1 |
| 2016 | 28 | 1 | 0 | 47.9 |
| 2015 | 55 | 6 | 2 | 56.9 |
| 2014 | 34 | 7 | 2 | 62.9 |
| 2013 | 47 | 1 | 0 | 34.0 |
| 2012 | 66 | 1 | 0 | 48.0 |
| 2011 | 83 | 1 | 0 | 43.0 |
| 2010 | 92 | 2 | 0 | 53.6 |
| 2009 | 151 | 1 | 0 | 44.9 |
| 2008Viewing | 115 | 1 | 0 | 44.5 |
| 2007 | 115 | 1 | 0 | 44.5 |
| 2006 | 200 | 1 | 0 | 42.1 |
| 2005 | 372 | 4 | 2 | 57.0 |
| 2004 | 282 | 4 | 2 | 58.2 |
| 2003 | 320 | 4 | 5 | 60.9 |
| 2002 | 187 | 5 | 5 | 59.3 |
| 2001 | 6 | 0 | 0 | — |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.