2013 Mini Clubman problems

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The Mini Clubman is a subcompact executive car engineered and manufactured by German automaker BMW and sold under the Mini marque. The first-generation Clubman was introduced in 2007, as a variant of the Mini Hatch (Hardtop in the US). A commercial version called Clubvan was added to the range in 2012. The current second-generation model has been in production since 2015 and available with front- and all-wheel drive.

History

The use of the name "Clubman" is a departure from Mini tradition. "Clubman" was originally the name given to the 1970s facelift of the classic Mini, which mostly resulted in a squared-off front end, whereas the classic Mini estates had traditionally been named "Traveller" or "Countryman". However, BMW did not initially purchase the rights to use those names, and so decided to call its larger-variant "Clubman", a name which it did own rights to.

Sketches of a new estate version of the Mini were shown at the 2000 Paris Motor Show, and a rendering of the estate concept (internally named EXT), wore the Clubman name on the licence plate. The Clubman started out in development based on the first generation Mini Hatch (R50) before changing to the second gen Hatch (R56).

2013 Mini Clubman

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Common 2013 Mini Clubman problems

The Mini Clubman 2013 has been known to have several common problems, primarily related to its engine and drivetrain.

One of the most common issues is oil starvation in the 1.6-liter diesel engine. This issue is caused by excessive carbon build-up, which can lead to the destruction of the turbocharger. The fix for this issue requires the replacement of the oil pump, pick-up pipe, and turbocharger. Cars produced from 2008 onwards have modified parts that avoid this issue.

Another common problem is a loud rattle upon start-up from cold in the Cooper S models with the turbocharged 1.6-liter petrol engine. This is due to a weak timing chain tensioner that fails to maintain tension over time, leading to the rattle. This issue can be resolved by replacing the tensioner or the entire chain and chain guides.

Some owners have reported that the clutch can wear out quite quickly on a Clubman. Therefore, it is essential to check the clutch before purchasing a Clubman. Make sure it doesn't slip when you put your foot down in a high gear. Also, try pulling away in a high gear from rest; if it stalls, the clutch is probably fine.

The stop-start system has also been known to malfunction and stall the car at junctions, and dealers often struggle to diagnose the fault. The system has also been reported to stop working altogether, leaving an error message on the dashboard, which can only be fixed by a dealer.

The interior and dashboard have also suffered from rattles and creaks. Some owners have insisted on having new dashboards fitted, but this doesn't always solve the problem. The speakers can also rattle and distort, and in some cases, they can fail completely, so will need replacing.

The Clubman's windscreen is very susceptible to chips and cracks because of its upright position. Check carefully for big chips, because these could develop into a crack that will require you to replace the screen, and if they’re in the immediate area in front of the driver, they can cause an MOT test failure.

The air conditioning system has also been known to have problems. Make sure you test it by first setting it to maximum heat then switching it to cold and note how quickly the temperature drops. If the system is working correctly, it should go from hot to cold in only seconds.

The Mini Cooper Clubman was manufactured and sold in the US between 2008 and 2014 before being restarted for a modern generation. The earliest years of this car were more prone to problems and, thus, received a greater-than-average number of owner complaints. The most important MINI Cooper Clubman years to avoid include: - 2008 MINI Cooper Clubman - 2009 MINI Cooper Clubman.

In summary, the Mini Clubman 2013 has several common problems related to its engine and drivetrain, including oil starvation, timing chain rattle, clutch wear, and start-stop malfunction. It is essential to check these issues before purchasing a Clubman to ensure that it is in good condition.

2013 Mini Clubman engine

What is the problem with the Mini Clubman?

The 1.5-litre petrol engine has been subject to a recall to deal with excessive crankshaft bearing wear; this problem is serious and could lead to considerable engine damage if not remedied. It's therefore worth checking with your local dealership whether the car you've got your eye on is affected.

What problems do 2013 Mini Coopers have?

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

  • Exhaust. Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks. ...
  • Engine Minor. ...
  • Noises And Leaks. ...
  • Steering And Suspension. ...
  • Fuel System/Emissions. ...
  • Climate System. ...
  • Transmission Major. ...
  • Body Hardware.

Is the Mini Cooper Clubman good?

Highs More fun than your average station wagon, chic styling, posh cabin environs. Lows Stiff-legged ride, missing Android Auto, it may be a wagon, but it's a small one. Verdict The Clubman is a more practical Mini but it's just as eye-catching and fun to drive as the smaller Cooper Hardtop.

What year is bad for Mini Cooper?

According to Consumer Reports surveys, Mini Cooper released from 2006–2012 is considered the worst years. Having said that, there have been problems in the earlier 2000's as well. First and second-generation MINI's had quite a few problems, of which the most significant was the transmission malfunction.

2013 Mini Clubman complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2013 Mini Clubman.

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 2013 Mini Clubman problems:

R55 Any common Clubman problems/quirks? - North American ...
R55 Any common Clubman problems/quirks? - North American ...
https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/r55-clubman-talk-2008/221876-any-common-clubman-problems-quirks.html

Dec 15, 2011 ... Any common Clubman problems/quirks? · 1. timing chain guide broke around 75k (death rattle) and based on many other notes, should probably be ...

I bought a 2013 Mini Cooper S, have anyone experienced any car ...
I bought a 2013 Mini Cooper S, have anyone experienced any car ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/MINI/comments/ci7pus/i_bought_a_2013_mini_cooper_s_have_anyone/

Jul 27, 2019 ... The 2013 is basically the most bulletproof of the second generation cars. If you keep on top of maintenance like oil changes (7k miles) and ...

2013 MINI Clubman Problems | Kelley Blue Book
2013 MINI Clubman Problems | Kelley Blue Book
https://www.kbb.com/mini/clubman/2013/common-problems/

How reliable is the 2013 MINI Clubman? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.

Anything I should know before buying? - Mini Cooper Forums - Mini ...
Anything I should know before buying? - Mini Cooper Forums - Mini ...
https://minicooperforums.com/forum/08-up-mini-clubman-traveller-r55-32/anything-i-should-know-before-buying-7852/

Mar 16, 2015 ... That said, I know that you can find every odd problem known to man on the forum, so I wanted to get some real comments from people who know best ...

2011-2013 R56 Mini Cooper S reliability - what's the verdict? | VW ...
2011-2013 R56 Mini Cooper S reliability - what's the verdict? | VW ...
https://www.vwvortex.com/threads/2011-2013-r56-mini-cooper-s-reliability-whats-the-verdict.8428242/

Jan 19, 2017 ... The S still has some endemic issues (like the water pump and thermostat once over about 50k miles, the possibility of timing chain issues at ...

Other years of Mini Clubman

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Clubman 2014
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Clubman 2017
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2013 Mini Clubman photo