2014 Mini Cooper clubman problems
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).
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Common 2014 Mini Cooper clubman problems
The Mini Cooper Clubman, produced between 2007 and 2014, has been known for several common problems that have caused concern for its owners. These issues range from mechanical and electrical problems to cosmetic concerns.
- Timing Chain Rattle: Cooper S models with the turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine may experience a loud rattle upon start-up from cold. This is due to a weak timing chain tensioner that fails to maintain tension over time, causing the rattle. It could be a case of just performing a service and replacing the tensioner or replacing the entire chain and chain guides.
- Clutch Wear: Some owners have reported that the clutch can wear out quite quickly on a Clubman. It is essential to check for slipping in high gears and test pulling away in a high gear from rest. If the car stalls, the clutch is probably fine.
- Start-Stop Malfunction: The stop-start system has 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.
- Dashboard Rattles: The interior and dashboard have 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, requiring replacement.
- Cracked Windscreens: The Clubman's windscreen is very susceptible to chips and cracks because of its upright position. Check carefully for big chips, as 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.
- Air Conditioning: There have been numerous reports of problems with the air conditioning system. 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.
- Overheating: Owners have reported overheating issues, which can lead to disastrous accidents and very high repair bills. If you notice your used Mini Cooper Clubman behaving strangely, be sure to take it in for a maintenance checkup ASAP.
- Engine Blowouts: Engine blowouts have been reported, which can also lead to significant repair bills. It is essential to check for any signs of engine problems, such as strange noises or leaks, before purchasing a used Mini Cooper Clubman.
- Water Dripping into the Oil Pan: Water dripping into the oil pan can be a sign of a severe problem with the engine. It is crucial to address this issue immediately to prevent further damage to the engine.
- Thermostat Failures: Thermostat failures can lead to overheating issues and should be addressed promptly to prevent engine damage.
- Engine Cracks: Engine cracks can be a severe problem, leading to engine failure. It is essential to check for any signs of engine cracks before purchasing a used Mini Cooper Clubman.
- High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failures: High-pressure fuel pump failures can lead to engine performance issues and should be addressed promptly to prevent further damage to the engine.
In summary, the Mini Cooper Clubman, produced between 2007 and 2014, has been known for several common problems, including oil starvation, timing chain rattle, clutch wear, start-stop malfunction, dashboard rattles, cracked windscreens, air conditioning problems, overheating, engine blowouts, water dripping into the oil pan, thermostat failures, engine cracks, and high-pressure fuel pump failures. It is essential to address these issues promptly to prevent further damage to the vehicle and ensure the safety of the driver and passengers.
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 is the common problem of Mini Cooper?
The 1st generation (R50/R53) Mini Cooper is known for premature clutch wear and failure. This typically occurs between 40,000-60,000 miles on vehicles built from 2001-2006. The root cause is due to an under-designed single-mass flywheel and weak factory clutch that cannot handle the torque of the supercharged engines.
How much is a 2014 Mini Clubman worth?
MINI Clubman (2007 - 2014) Used Prices
| Most affordable version | Used price range |
|---|---|
| 1.4 5d | £960 - £1,780 |
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.
2014 Mini Cooper clubman car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mini Cooper clubman problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2014 Mini Cooper clubman vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2014 Mini Cooper clubman complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2014 Mini Cooper clubman.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-17
- VIN: WMWZF3C54ET
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The rear backup lights don’t work due to the defective footwell control module. This is a symptom of the defective FCM. It’s been well over a year and Mini hasn’t had the parts. Very worrisome when our young daughter is backing up and the lights are out!
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-25
- VIN: WMWZG3C54ET
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2014 Mini Cooper Clubman. 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, and the contact was informed that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2014 Mini Cooper clubman recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2014 Mini Cooper clubman.
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
Negative 2014 Mini Cooper clubman car reviews
Positive 2014 Mini Cooper clubman car reviews
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If you're in the market for a car that can comfortably seat four adults while still providing a sporty driving experience, the Mini is the clear choice. We considered other small cars, but none of them could match the Mini's unique combination of style, performance, and handling. Even the base-engined Clubman with the 6-speed transmission provides more than enough power for everyday driving, and it's still plenty of fun when you want to push it a bit. The engine is responsive and predictable, making high-speed driving a breeze. Plus, the Mini's interior is surprisingly comfortable and well-appointed. Overall, the Mini is a great choice for anyone looking for a car that's more than meets the eye in terms of power, comfort, and quality.
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The car sounds like a blast to drive! I have the manual turbo and it really moves. The handling is great, although it's not so good in the snow. I keep the rear seats down and put a floor mat over it for my two goldens. Even though I'm 6'1
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If you're looking for a car that's fun to drive, fuel-efficient, and has a high resale value, the Mini Cooper Clubman is the perfect choice. It offers plenty of interior space, even for taller individuals like myself (I'm 6'5
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This is a really practical car with excellent power and handling. You'll receive compliments often, although you might prefer something other than 'cute'. The car delivered everything you could want when you bought it and it's really fun to drive. In 2017, you updated to a new Giulia TI, but you already miss your Mini. In 2018, the Giulia is still fun, but it's probably a little big for you. Maybe there's another Mini in your future?
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The Mini models have a lot of great features, but some customers have expressed concerns about the base seats. However, I found that investing in the best seats available, such as the ones in the JCW Clubman, was well worth it. These seats are much more comfortable, even on long trips. When I attend club meetings with other Mini owners, I always appreciate the comfort of my own seats. Additionally, this car is both fun and quick, with enough cargo room to function reasonably well. If you plan to take a trip with this car, it's important to consider your luggage sizes in advance. With some careful planning, you can make the most of the available space in the back.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2014 Mini Cooper clubman problems:
Mini reliability issues, if any? | Mini Cooper Forum
Aug 21, 2016 ... Coopers s models of a certain 2014 era needed new engines due to faulty bearing installation. Faulty batch of engines and should be an isolated ...
Anyone with reliability issues on a 2014 Mini Cooper Countryman ...
Sep 11, 2017 ... At 50,000 miles had coolant leak and possible oil migration from solenoid in oil pan to computer, $3,600 for repairs. Coolant leak again within ...
The MINI Cooper Clubman Years to Avoid - CoPilot
Oct 18, 2023 ... Owners of the 2008 MINI Cooper Clubman sent in a lot of complaints and experienced common problems like engine sounds, transmission failures, ...
Q&A: 2014 Mini Cooper Countryman S All4 - Common Problems ...
Jan 31, 2023 ... The first indication that something was wrong occurred in mid-November. I would intermittently receive a message indicating there was a battery ...
Good idea to buy a 2014 Cooper S ( F56 ) with already 100k ...
Nov 18, 2021 ... The other issues are the upper engine mount, ignition coils and turbo. The upper mount will be a failure point by 160k km, if it's already ...


Diamond Zieme 2025-11-24
This car is a blast to drive around town! However, it can be a bit noisy on the highway. Unfortunately, I have had some issues with repairs. It seems like everything that could go wrong with this car has gone wrong. But the good news is that there are plenty of videos and instructions available online to help you fix these issues yourself. This is because many people have experienced similar problems and don't want to pay the high Mini Cooper repair costs. Overall, the combination of BMW engineering and British craftsmanship makes for a unique car that requires some extra care and attention.
Sean Wolff 2025-11-24
I really like this car, but there are a few things that I find challenging. For example, when pulling out into traffic, especially in cold weather, there is some hesitation and the acceleration can be delayed. Additionally, I've had some issues with water leaking into the passenger side floor due to a design flaw. Despite these issues, I've owned the car for three years and have only had minor problems with the brakes. Recently, I had to fix the car due to water damage, which was frustrating. However, after some negotiation with the dealer, I was able to get the repair cost down to $1400. Overall, I still enjoy driving this car, but I hope that BMW will address these issues in future models.Mini also does not have any set pricing guides for repairs like most manufacturers have, so the dealer can charge you whatever they want. However, it's worth noting that there are many other options out there, so it's always a good idea to shop around before making a purchase. For instance, I traded in my repaired Mini for a Volvo C30 and it was a great decision. The Volvo is faster, quieter, more powerful, and about the same size. It also has better gas mileage on the highway and about the same around town. Even after factoring in the repair cost, I still got $4000 more than the Mini dealership offered. So, if you're considering a Mini, it's important to explore all your options and make an informed decision.
Noe Hackett 2025-10-05
I own a 2011 Mini Clubman S. Although I have had some issues with the car, I believe that with proper maintenance and care, it can be a reliable vehicle. Some of the issues I have experienced include the fuel pump breaking shortly after purchase, the airbag system needing repairs multiple times, and the water pump and oil pump solenoid failing. Additionally, the rear cargo 12v outlet came apart and the runflat front tires needed replacement at 12,000 miles. However, I am confident that these issues can be resolved with the help of a knowledgeable mechanic. Despite some initial rattles and difficulty using the radio controls, I still enjoy driving my Mini Clubman and appreciate its unique design and features.
Jeffery Kuhn 2025-09-27
The dealership sold us a brand new car with a cracked rim, and gave us the same cracked rim back when they claimed to have replaced it. Additionally, the sunroof drains were not properly hooked up during assembly, causing damage to the electrical parts. These issues are unacceptable and reflect poorly on the customer service provided by the dealership, which is the only Mini dealership in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It is important for dealerships to take responsibility for their mistakes and provide satisfactory solutions to their customers.
Joseph Pouros 2025-08-20
I purchased this 2014 Mini while waiting for my wife's car at the dealer. The overall appearance is fantastic and the interior materials are of very high quality. However, I found the rest of the car to be a bit disappointing. The car has an automatic and regular 1.6 L engine, which is a sluggish combination. Although the 17