VehicleVerdict

2008 Mini Cooper S Convertible problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 12 complaints on file for the 2008 Mini Cooper S Convertible — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

12

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Cooper S Convertible years?

Cooper S Convertible NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted72 complaints2005: 72 complaints2006: 53 complaints2007: 8 complaints2008: 12 complaints2009: 15 complaints2010: 12 complaints2011: 6 complaints2012: 3 complaints
Cooper S Convertible NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cooper S Convertible years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Mini Cooper S Convertible problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seats325%
Airbags325%
Electrical System18%
Engine18%
Other18%
Body & Structure18%
Suspension18%
Brakes18%

Does the 2008 Mini Cooper S Convertible have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

15V205000AirbagsApril 6, 2015 · 91,800 units

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2006 MINI Cooper and Cooper S vehicles manufactured January 5, 2005, to November 28, 2006, and 2005-2008 MINI Cooper Convertible and Cooper S Convertible vehicles manufactured January 5, 2005, to July 31, 2008. 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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHILE TRAVELING AT OR ABOVE 65 MILES PER. HOUR, VIBRATION IN FRONT END. HAVE HAD TIRES ROTATED, BALANCES AND FRONT END CHECKED OUT. UNKNOWN AT THIS POINT AND NOW MUST KEEP UNDER 65 MPH. UNSAFE TO DRIVE AT OR ABOVE 65.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · July 15, 2017

“AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT TURNED ON WHEN DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. THE SERVICE DIAGNOSED FAULTY PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY DETECTOR AND QUOTED $1,880 TO FIX. THIS PROBLEM SEEMS COMMON FOR THIS MAKE BASED ON FORUM WEBSITES. THE CAR HAS ONLY 28K MILEAGE AND SPORT SEATS. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 14, 2014

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MINI COOPER S CONVERTIBLE. WHILE PARKED IN THE GARAGE OVERNIGHT, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS IN THE PROCESS OF INVESTIGATING THE FAILURE. HE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 3, 2009 · fire

2008 Mini Cooper S Convertible — common questions

Is the 2008 Mini Cooper S Convertible reliable?

The record is thin — 12 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2008 Cooper S Convertible problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seats (3 complaints), airbags (3 complaints), suspension (1 complaints).

Does the 2008 Mini Cooper S Convertible have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2008 Mini Cooper S Convertible. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2008 Mini Cooper S Convertible under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Mini Cooper S Convertible years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Cooper S Convertible years to avoid are 2005, 2006. The cleanest record among Cooper S Convertible years belongs to 2012.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.