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MINI Clubman VIN Number Check

A free NHTSA vPIC decode tells you which MINI Clubman you are looking at. Then check its model year against 10 NHTSA recall campaigns and what owners have reported.

VIN prefixWMW

Free decode plus the NHTSA recalls for its model year. 17 characters, no I, O or Q.

Vinny, the VinNumber key mascot
MINI Clubman

About the MINI Clubman

MINI sold the Clubman in the US for model years 2008–2024. Across those years NHTSA lists 10 vehicle recall campaigns and 325 owner complaints. The 2009 has the most complaints of any model year (94). EPA rates it at 24–32 mpg combined. A free VIN decode gives you NHTSA vPIC’s record for the car (model year, engine, plant) and the NHTSA recalls for its model year. It won’t show theft, flood or lemon-law history.

US model years2008–2024
EPA classMidsize Cars
NHTSA recall campaigns10
Owner complaints325 at NHTSA
MINI Clubman photographed at a US vehicle auction
Auction lot photo, for illustration
Generations

MINI Clubman at a glance

One generation in the data, 2008–2024: 10 NHTSA recall campaigns and 325 owner complaints.

1 / 1
Clubman
2008–2024Midsize Cars
2008201520202024
2008–2024

MINI Clubman

EPA classMidsize Cars
EPA combined mpg24–32
NHTSA recalls10

Engines (EPA)

  • 1.6 L 4-cyl · 2008–2014
  • 1.6 L 4-cyl (turbo) · 2008–2014
  • 1.5 L 3-cyl (turbo) · 2016–2019
  • 2.0 L 4-cyl (turbo) · 2016–2024

Drive & transmission (EPA)

  • AWD/4WD, FWD
  • manual (2008–2014, 2016–2019, 2021–2024), automatic (2008–2014, 2016–2024), automated manual/dual-clutch (2020–2024)

Known issues to check

Engine and cooling (127)Electrical system (89)Air bags (67)3 high-risk recall campaigns

Mentions in 325 NHTSA complaints.

Sample VIN pattern · ClubmanWMWMM335?9T······NHTSA vPIC decodes it as a 2009 MINI Clubman, built in Oxford, United Kingdom (Uk)
Check a Clubman VIN

Sources: EPA · NHTSA · vPIC

NHTSA campaign data

Which Clubman model years each recall covers

NHTSA data

NHTSA has 10 campaigns on file for Clubman model years 2008–2024, and the 2009 and 2011 show up in the most (4 each). Move the line to your model year to see which apply.

2011
Air bag inflator, fire risk or do-not-drive/park-outside advisorySafety recallCanada only
Pick a row
What to ask

Source: NHTSA recall database, vehicle campaigns only; row text is NHTSA’s summary. A listed year does not mean every car is covered, so check the VIN.

Canada rows: Transport Canada recalls database. Transport Canada recalls that match an NHTSA campaign are folded into that row by VinNumber.net; rows with the Canadian flag have no NHTSA match. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada · Transport Canada.

Owner reports · NHTSA complaints

What MINI Clubman owners report

Owner summaries + NHTSA data

Between them, the 2009 and 2008 hold 166 of the 325 complaints, or 51%. Tap any bar or generation.

325NHTSA complaints, 2008–2024
12mention a crash
18mention a fire
9injuries reported
Owner complaints by model yearClubman: 325 complaints · most for the 2009 (94)

Top complaint areas · Clubman

Mentions in 325 complaints, 2008–2024.

Engine and cooling127
Electrical system89
Air bags67
Powertrain (transmission, driveline)31
Exterior lighting22
Brakes16
Crashes 12Fires 18Injuries 9

2008–2024

NHTSA data summary

The 2009 is the outlier. On its own it has 94 of the ’s 325 complaints (29%), more than any other Clubman model year, and owners across the generation name engine and cooling most often (127 mentions), then electrical system (89).

What Clubman owners report across recent generations

Owner summary

2008–2014 (1st generation, R55)

Complaint counts are modest, so the data is thin. The 2008 and 2009 draw the most NHTSA complaints, and the clearest pattern is timing chain rattle or failure, most often on the Cooper S turbo engine it shares with the hardtop. Owners also report air bag warning lights. CarComplaints lists an engine that blew and a window that will not stay up for 2008, overheating and a cracked thermostat for 2009, and head gasket failure for 2010. Recalls cover the turbo auxiliary water pump on Cooper S models and a footwell control module that may short circuit in road salt states. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

What to check before buying

  • Run the VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup, including the auxiliary water pump and footwell module recalls.
  • Ask for proof that the timing chain and tensioner were replaced.
  • Start the engine cold and listen for a rattle.
  • Check for coolant leaks, confirm the air bag light goes out and watch the temperature gauge on a longer drive.
Sources (5) and method
Sources:
  1. NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, 2008 MINI Cooper Clubman
  2. NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, 2009 MINI Cooper S Clubman
  3. CarComplaints.com, 2008 MINI Cooper Clubman problems
  4. CarComplaints.com, 2009 MINI Cooper Clubman problems
  5. CarComplaints.com, 2010 MINI Cooper Clubman problems

Counts: NHTSA complaints file, records to October 1, 2026, one count per complaint; areas are NHTSA component groups.

Owner summary updated September 25, 2026.

Owner complaints · by model year

Clubman complaint breakdown by model year

NHTSA data

Every Clubman version is counted together. Tap a year to see its top systems.

325complaints, 2008–2024
12mention a crash
18mention a fire
9injuries reported
Most complaints: 2009 (94), 2008 (72), 2010 (42)
72’0894’0942’10’15’20

2009 · 94 complaints

Crashes 0 · fires 3 · injuries 1

Engine36
Air bags16
Electrical system16
Power train16
Engine and engine cooling13

Systems as NHTSA names them; a complaint can list several. Source: NHTSA complaints data, records to October 1, 2026.

EPA fuel economy & emissions

Clubman CO₂, smog rating and yearly fuel cost

EPA data

EPA lists 80 Clubman versions for model years 2008–2024. The lowest tailpipe CO₂ is 278 g/mi (2009). Pick a model year and powertrain to see each version.

Clubman2008–2024

24–32 mpg · CO₂ 278–367 g/mi

2024
29combined MPG
307CO₂ grams per mile (tailpipe)
$2,850EPA yearly fuel cost
7/10Smog rating
1 = worst · 10 = cleanest
6/10Greenhouse gas rating
California LEV-III SULEV30 · Federal Tier 3 Bin 30Emission standard
Cleanest gas version of 2024: Cooper S Clubman · Auto (AM-S7), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo — 29 MPG · 307 g/mi
Best (lowest) CO₂ by model year
2503003504004502010201520202008 · Gas: 2782009 · Gas: 2782010 · Gas: 2872011 · Gas: 2962012 · Gas: 2962013 · Gas: 2972014 · Gas: 2952016 · Gas: 3172017 · Gas: 3172018 · Gas: 3192019 · Gas: 3212020 · Gas: 3042021 · Gas: 3042022 · Gas: 3042023 · Gas: 3072024 · Gas: 307
Gas

Annual fuel cost is EPA’s estimate at its current fuel-price assumptions (15,000 miles a year, 55% city driving), so older years are priced at today’s fuel prices. Smog rating and emission standard can differ by sales area (federal vs. California); both are shown. Greenhouse-gas ratings start with the 2013 model year. Source: fueleconomy.gov.

Compare rivals

Clubman vs Volkswagen Golf vs Subaru Impreza

NHTSA + EPA data

Take 2008–2024. NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for the Clubman, while the Volkswagen Golf and Subaru Impreza have 41 each. Pick a range to compare.

MINI Clubman

Model years 2008–2024

NHTSA recall campaigns
10
NHTSA owner complaints
325
EPA combined mpg
24–32
Engines (EPA)
3-cyl 1.5 L · 4-cyl 1.6, 2.0 L
Also listed
turbo
Drive (EPA)
AWD/4WD, FWD

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

  1. Engine and cooling 127
  2. Electrical system 89
  3. Air bags 67

Volkswagen Golf

Model years 2008–2024

NHTSA recall campaigns
41
NHTSA owner complaints
1,177
EPA combined mpg
22–35
Engines (EPA)
4-cyl 1.4, 1.8, 2.0 L · 5-cyl 2.5 L
Also listed
turbo, diesel
Drive (EPA)
AWD/4WD, FWD

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

  1. Fuel system 284
  2. Engine and cooling 242
  3. Electrical system 180

Subaru Impreza

Model years 2008–2024

NHTSA recall campaigns
41
NHTSA owner complaints
1,797
EPA combined mpg
19–32
Engines (EPA)
4-cyl 2.0, 2.5 L
Also listed
turbo
Drive (EPA)
AWD/4WD

Most-reported complaint areas (NHTSA)

  1. Air bags 382
  2. Engine and cooling 289
  3. Visibility (glass, wipers, mirrors) 242

NHTSA recalls (vehicle campaigns for all powertrain versions; equipment and tire campaigns left out), complaints (not sales-adjusted) and 5-Star overall ratings for the latest year rated for all three; EPA mpg, engines and drive. Rivals: same EPA class, picked by VinNumber.net.

MINI Clubman VIN number location

Where to find the VIN on a Clubman

Tap a spot. Every location should show the same 17 characters.

Gray MINI Clubman (second generation) wagon, front three-quarter view, with the VIN locations marked

Photo: Hans Haase, CC BY-SA 3.0, cropped

Illustration: VinNumber.net

Photo: Ethan Llamas, CC BY-SA 4.0; edited and VIN pins added by VinNumber.net

The Clubman's split rear doors create an unusual label configuration, the B-pillar label sits between the front door and the split rear door opening. Dashboard plate and door jamb sticker are the primary VIN locations. Engine bay stamp near the strut tower is also present. Clubman was discontinued after 2024, verify the model year carefully on any recently listed new-old-stock inventory.

  1. Windshield plateRead it through the glass at the base of the driver's side windshield.
    Source: 49 CFR 565.13(f) (NHTSA): VIN inside the passenger compartment, readable through the glazing next to the left windshield pillar
  2. Door jamb labelOpen the driver's door: the certification label on the B-pillar lists the VIN.
    Source: 49 CFR 567.4 (NHTSA): certification label with VIN at the driver door hinge pillar, latch post or door edge
The title, registration and insurance card show the VIN as well. All locations should match.
FAQ

Common MINI Clubman VIN questions

Which MINI Clubman model years have the most owner complaints?

The 2009 leads with 94, ahead of the 2008 (72) and 2010 (42). Those first two alone make up 51% of the 325 Clubman complaints filed with NHTSA, not adjusted for sales.

How many recalls has the MINI Clubman had?

NHTSA’s recall records show 10 vehicle campaigns for model years 2008–2024, leaving out equipment and tire campaigns.

Which MINI Clubman recalls are high risk?

NHTSA’s record names a fire risk in 12V-008, 18V-248 and 23V-337. Each should show as closed on a VIN check.

What fuel economy does the MINI Clubman get?

It varies. EPA rates the 2008–2024 Clubman at 24–32 mpg combined, depending on engine and drive (fueleconomy.gov).

How does the MINI Clubman compare with the Volkswagen Golf and Subaru Impreza on recalls?

For 2008–2024 models the Clubman has 10 NHTSA recall campaigns. The Volkswagen Golf has 41, the Subaru Impreza 41. Complaints run 325, 1,177 and 1,797 in that order, with no sales adjustment.

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