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
- 66
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2012
None on file
42% of complaints
Complaints per year
2012: 66 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 6 |
| 2002 | 187 |
| 2003 | 320 |
| 2004 | 282 |
| 2005 | 372 |
| 2006 | 200 |
| 2007 | 118 |
| 2008 | 116 |
| 2009 | 151 |
| 2010 | 92 |
| 2011 | 83 |
| 2012 | 66 |
| 2013 | 47 |
| 2014 | 34 |
| 2015 | 56 |
| 2016 | 28 |
| 2017 | 28 |
| 2018 | 8 |
| 2019 | 12 |
| 2020 | 7 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
42% · 28 reportsShow 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, 2018-08-14
Also filed under Engine
This vin waa not included in a recall however had recall issues it obtained water in the footwell which mini has a recall issue for this and the car was caught on fire it is at the dealership in [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF...
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-16
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, 2023-11-06
Engine
26% · 17 reportsShow complaint excerpts
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, 2015-07-29
Air bags
24% · 16 reportsMost commonly citing front passenger and occupant classification.
Show 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, 2016-05-05
Exterior lighting
8% · 5 reportsSeats
6% · 4 reportsSafety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2024-05-13Electrical system23V337000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2012 Mini Cooper — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 28 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 17 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 16 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 23V337000 · Electrical system
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.