2012 MINI Cooper S: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2012 MINI Cooper S: 2 recalls, 23 owner complaints and up to 30 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Engine & cooling, Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #18V248000 · 2018 · 47,806 vehicles
What's wrong: The electric auxiliary water pump May fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.
Why it matters: If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: 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. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning June 11, 2018, and will receive…
Electrical Vehicle recall #23V337000 · 2023 · 97,933 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (13): the most common themes are electrical failure (9), stalls / loses power (4), warning light on (4).
- Engine (4): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2), stalls / loses power (2).
- Fuel & propulsion (3): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2).
- Body & structure (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2012 MINI Cooper S has 23 owner complaints, ranking #12 of 22 Cooper S model years for complaints (well below the 81 average). Complaints peaked in 2024 (5 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 86,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2011 (31 complaints, 3 recalls), 2013 (24 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 34 | 30 | Premium |
| 1.6 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 33 | 28 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2012 MINI Cooper S.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2012 MINI Cooper S have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2012 MINI Cooper S. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2012 MINI Cooper S problems?
Owners have filed 23 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (13), engine (4), fuel & propulsion (3).
What gas mileage does the 2012 MINI Cooper S get?
EPA ratings run up to 30 mpg combined (1.6 L, Manual 6-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2012 MINI Cooper S repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.