KnownCarProblems2012 Mini Cooper Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 66 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Mini Cooper, most often about the electrical (42% of complaints, typically around 58,500 miles). It is 11th of 26 Cooper model years by number of complaints and has 1 recall.
Most common 2012 Mini Cooper problems
Electrical
28 complaints · 42%Half of these problems showed up before 58,500 miles.
Car key stuck in slot and would not allow the vehicle to shift. After taking it in for repair to Mini Cooper, we were informed that moisture was found in a computer which is located under the beverage holder. Yes, you read that right. A computer under the beverage holder and no moisture barrier, no protection over…
Vehicle was in motion on a highway and after going over several pot holes the engine temperature warning light came on. The engine power was reduced and an engine failure light also appeared. This is when I pulled over into the off ramp and the vehicle came to a sputtering stop. I placed the car in neutral and pushed…
Engine
18 complaints · 27%Half of these problems showed up before 49,500 miles.
Water pump failure. Began to notice small amount of liquid under car in april 2016, thought it was condensation from A/C. Leak worsened and called Mini in june 2016 to check it out. Water pump failure on vehicle with 45,500 miles. Class action lawsuit settlement agreed in california in march waiting on final approval…
While driving for about 30 minutes on the highway, my Mini Cooper shut off completely, I was able to pull onto the shoulder and that is when smoke started coming from the engine, within 6 minutes my whole engine was engulfed in flames, car totaled. Insurence inspectors couldn't figure out a cause. One of the fire…
Air bags
12 complaints · 18%Half of these problems showed up before 43,000 miles. Parts named most often: sensor.
The contact owns a 2012 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that the front driver side air bag abruptly deployed while driving 40 MPH. The failure occurred without warning or impact. The contact suffered injuries to the neck, back, and arms, which required medical attention. A police report was not filed. Prior to the…
The passenger seat air bag light came on one day when starting the car. I took it into a Mini specialist and they said it was the indicator sensor in the seat. Other Mini models have had the same problem and have been recalled. He quoted $600-700 to repair it. He could not guarantee the air bag would deploy in an…
Other or unspecified
8 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 56,000 miles.
Vehicle was in motion on a highway and after going over several pot holes the engine temperature warning light came on. The engine power was reduced and an engine failure light also appeared. This is when I pulled over into the off ramp and the vehicle came to a sputtering stop. I placed the car in neutral and pushed…
Vehicle was in motion on a highway and, after going over several pot holes, the engine temperature warning light came on. The engine power was reduced, and the engine failure light also appeared. This is when I pulled over into the off ramp, and the vehicle came to a sputtering stop. I placed the car in neutral and…
Lights
5 complaints · 8%Brake light failed, bulb could not be removed from inside the vehicle. Dealer said the complete assembly would need to be replaced. Upon removing the assembly, the fixture was reviewed to find where excesive heat had melted the connection to the bulb (same ones used in bmws that melted the wiring harness back in…
Rear brake light burnt and melted. It was repaired and now it melted and burnt again but has caused further damage requiring the whole taillight needing replacement.
Fuel system
4 complaints · 6%The contact owns na 2012 Mini Cooper s countryman. The contact stated that while driving 65mph the vehicle stalled the engine light illuminated before the failure occurred. The contact was able to merge onto the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnose that the gas setting and fuel pump…
Handbrake harness not routed as designed. From the picture you can see the harness not inside the clip. This makes the handbrake harness short from point to point. Which will lead to my rear passenger side brake always on. And also, it will cause a serious safety issue if I want to use my handbrake to stop my vehicle.…
Seats
4 complaints · 6%Passenger seatbelt element sensor malfunctioned. We had to replace the entire passenger seat cushion with new sensor for a cost of $1843.00. A 2012 vehicle should nor require a new seat through ordinary use. Note:Mini seatbelt sensor is molded into the cushion requiring a new cushion and not just replacing the sensor…
Passenger side airbag is randomly disabled (with warning light/tone) when my 63# dog is sitting in the seat. Cause is a faulty "passenger seat occupant mat" that others have reported will cost over $1500 to replace. This has happened numerous times but only while driving so can't really get a picture of the warning…
Transmission
3 complaints · 5%Electronic fuel pump failed twice within a year. Manual transmission - clutch does not engage gears properly. Friction point is vague and unengaging. Gear slips. Requires exceedingly high rev. Counts/gas to engage in gear properly. Car stalls more than normal/often. Overall fuel injection/ecu mapping/clutch issues are…
2012 Mini Cooper countryman manual transmission. Live in a mountainous region in colorado. Noticed a peculiar smell coming from the car after being stuck in heavy traffic. Had the car serviced and they said everything was good to go. Few days later when on vacation driving through nevada, the clutch completely gave…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2012 Mini Cooper recalls
Electrical: electrical system
Risk: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Full defect 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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2012 Mini Cooper
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mini Cooper?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: electrical (28 complaints, typically around 58,500 miles); engine (18 complaints, typically around 49,500 miles); air bags (12 complaints, typically around 43,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2012 Mini Cooper have?
- 1 recall listed by NHTSA, the latest from May 11, 2023 (electrical). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2012 a bad year for the Mini Cooper?
- It is 11th of 26 Cooper model years by number of complaints, with 66 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.