Research · Subcompact Cars
2008 MINI Clubman SRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 72 owner complaints for the 2008 MINI Clubman S. Most complaints involve engine (32) and air bags (20). The EPA rates it 27–29 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
27–29mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
72
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,750est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2008 MINI Clubman S as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
72 complaints filed with NHTSA · May 2009 – Jan 2026
- Engine32
- Air bags20
- Engine and engine cooling11
- Electrical system7
- Seats4
- Power train3
- Fuel/propulsion system2
- Steering2
- Vehicle speed control1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine
32 reports1 fire
“I PURCHASED A 2008 CLUBMAN AND IT'S THE NON-TURBO BUT THE ENGINE HAS AN ISSUE WITH MULTIPLE MISFIRE CODES BEING SENT OUT TO THE OBD2 READER AS WELL AS SOME ECU CODES THAT IMPLY WEAK FUEL PRESSURE AND WHEN LOOKING UP AND TRYING TO FIND HOW TO REPLACE THE FUEL PRESSURE PUMP THEN I REALIZED I WAS NOT ALONE IN THIS ISSUE AND WONDER IF ANYONE ELSE HAS HAD THE THOUGHT TO ACTUALLY FILE A COMPLAINT SO THAT WAY SOMETHING CAN BE DONE SINCE IT'S A VERY FAULTY THING AND MOST OF THESE HAVE HAD ISSUES FROM 30000 MILES ABOUT BUT THEN FOR ALL THE OTHERS THAT ALSO HAVE IT AFTER THE WARRANTY DROPS TO INTENTIONALLY PUT IN A FAULTY PART I'M NOT SURE IF IT'S ILLEGAL OR NOT BUT IT SHOULD BE. I DO NO THAT IF THEY PUT IN ENOUGH FAULTY PARTS THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL MADE IF IT IS DETERMINED THAT THEY ARE AT FAULT AND NOT THE PEOPLE BUYING THEM OR MISTREATING OR NOT MAINTAINING ETC ETC... I STRONGLY URGE ANYONE ELSE THAT'S HAD THIS ISSUE TO ALSO MAKE YOUR OWN COMPLAINT IF IT HAS HAPPENED TO YOU, ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAD TO BUY A NEW CAR BECAUSE OF IT. *TR”
Air bags
20 reports1 crash
“THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT HAS BEEN SET OFF FOR MANY YEARS AND COMES BACK EVEN AFTER A COMPUTER REPLACEMENT. THIS IS THE LIGHT FOR THE PASSENGER BAG. THERE WAS A RECALL OF 2005 TO 2008 MINI FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE. FOR SOME REASON MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL. WHAT SHOULD I DO? THE AIRBAG OR SENSOR WAS NEVER "FIXED".”
Engine and engine cooling
11 reports4 fires
“TIMING CHAIN GUIDE IS MADE OUT OF PLASTIC. IT BROKE APART AND FELL IN PIECES INTO THE OIL PAN. IT CAUSED THE ENGINE TO SEIZE AND THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY INOPERABLE.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Subcompact Cars
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Manual 6-spd · Automatic (S6)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clubman S Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 34 | 29 | $2,750 | 306 |
| Clubman S Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 32 | 27 | $2,950 | 329 |
- 29mpg comb.
- 27mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2008 MINI Clubman S as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 2660
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2008 Clubman S questions
How many recalls does the 2008 MINI Clubman S have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 28, 2026.
What are the most common 2008 MINI Clubman S problems?
Owners filed 72 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (32), air bags (20), engine and engine cooling (11). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2008 MINI Clubman S get?
The EPA rates the 2008 MINI Clubman S at 27–29 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026