2012 MINI Cooper recalls and problems

The 2012 MINI Cooper has 1 recall and 66 owner complaints on file with NHTSA; the most reported problem area is electrical system.

2012 Mini Cooper
Photo: 2012 Mini Cooper by Calreyn88, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
How the 2012 compares
Fewest complaintsMost complaints

High complaint count among 26 Cooper model years — 11th most.

1recalls
66complaints
1crashes
7fires
1injuries
54,000median miles

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not verified and not adjusted for sales. Ranking compares this model's own years only.

Does your car have an open recall?
Recalls apply to specific vehicles. Only a VIN lookup on NHTSA's official site shows whether yours is affected and still unrepaired.
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1 recall

Electrical System

May 11, 2023 · NHTSA campaign 23V337000 · 97,933 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Recall text as published by NHTSA and the manufacturer.

What owners complain about

Electrical System28
Engine18
Air Bags12
Unknown or other8
Exterior Lighting5
Fuel System4
Seats4
Power Train3
Service Brakes3
Seat Belts2

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA; one complaint can name several areas. Not verified by NHTSA.

Complaints by year filed

2012: 2 complaints20122013: 2 complaints2014: 2 complaints20142015: 5 complaints2016: 11 complaints2016112017: 3 complaints2018: 9 complaints20182019: 4 complaints2020: 3 complaints20202021: 1 complaints2022: 3 complaints20222023: 7 complaints2024: 10 complaints20242025: 1 complaints2026: 3 complaints20263

2012 vs. other MINI Cooper years

2001: 6 complaints20012002: 187 complaints2003: 320 complaints2004: 282 complaints20042005: 372 complaints3722006: 200 complaints2007: 118 complaints20072008: 116 complaints2009: 151 complaints2010: 92 complaints20102011: 83 complaints2012: 66 complaints2013: 47 complaints20132014: 34 complaints2015: 56 complaints2016: 28 complaints20162017: 28 complaints2018: 8 complaints2019: 12 complaints20192020: 7 complaints2021: 7 complaints2022: 6 complaints20222023: 7 complaints2024: 1 complaints2025: 1 complaints20252026: 2 complaints20262

Owner complaints by model year; the darker bar is the 2012. Click a bar to switch year.

Questions

Does the 2012 MINI Cooper have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign covering the 2012 MINI Cooper, the latest from May 11, 2023 (electrical system). A recall applies to specific vehicles: enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours is affected and still open.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 MINI Cooper?

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA most often mention electrical system (28), engine (18), air bags (12). Complaints are consumer reports and are not verified by NHTSA.