2012 Mini Cooper
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 6 |
| 2002 | 187 |
| 2003 | 320 |
| 2004 | 282 |
| 2005 | 372 |
| 2006 | 200 |
| 2007 | 115 |
| 2008 | 115 |
| 2009 | 150 |
| 2010 | 92 |
| 2011 | 82 |
| 2012 | 65 |
| 2013 | 47 |
| 2014 | 34 |
| 2015 | 54 |
| 2016 | 28 |
| 2017 | 28 |
| 2018 | 8 |
| 2019 | 12 |
| 2020 | 7 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
42% of complaints: electrical system — 27 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180814
The contact owns a 2012 Mini Cooper. 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, 20231106
The contact owns a 2012 Mini Cooper. 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, 20231004
26% of complaints: engine — 17 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180814
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 MINI COOPER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE PRECEDING VEHICLE AFTER IT STOPPED WITHOUT WARNING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20150729
17% of complaints: air bags — 11 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* 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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160505
8% of complaints: exterior lighting — 5 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: seats — 4 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (27 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 23V337000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2012 Mini Cooper reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Mini Cooper is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mini Cooper?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Mini Cooper have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.