2012 Mini Cooper S
Only 23 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 23 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 83 |
| 2003 | 217 |
| 2004 | 247 |
| 2005 | 314 |
| 2006 | 186 |
| 2007 | 249 |
| 2008 | 168 |
| 2009 | 119 |
| 2010 | 59 |
| 2011 | 31 |
| 2012 | 23 |
| 2013 | 24 |
| 2014 | 13 |
| 2015 | 18 |
| 2016 | 9 |
| 2017 | 5 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 23 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
13 of 23 total reports mention: electrical system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE HAD BEEN DRIVEN 24 MILES AND PARKED FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES WHEN ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT FIRE. MASTER MECHANIC DIAGNOSED IT ORIGINATED WITH THE COOLANT PUMP AND CAUSED A SHORT CIRCUIT WITH THE ELECTRONICS OF THE PUMP IGNITING A FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170303
The contact owns a 2012 Mini Cooper S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231019
The contact owns a 2012 Mini Cooper S. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231005
4 of 23 total reports mention: engine.
3 of 23 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
1 of 23 total reports mentions: wheels.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MINI COOPER S. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING MAINTENANCE PERFORMED, THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED THAT THREE OF THE FOUR TIRE RIMS WERE CRACKED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20141125
1 of 23 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
SAFETY TIMELINE
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S...
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time.
Campaign 18V248000 — check if this car was fixed
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,...
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.
Campaign 23V337000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Mini Cooper S — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 18V248000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V337000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2012 Mini Cooper S reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mini Cooper S?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 57% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Mini Cooper S have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.