2012 MINI Cooper: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2012 MINI Cooper: 1 recall, 66 owner complaints and up to 32 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
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. 7 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (28): the most common themes are electrical failure (14), warning light on (8), fire / smoke (7).
- Engine (17): the most common themes are leaks (10), warning light on (6), stalls / loses power (5).
- Airbags (12): the most common themes are warning light on (5), fails to deploy (2).
- Other / unknown (8): the most common themes are fire / smoke (5), warning light on (3), leaks (3).
The 2012 MINI Cooper has 66 owner complaints, ranking #11 of 26 Cooper model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 86). Complaints peaked in 2016 (11 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 53,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2011 (83 complaints, 1 recalls), 2013 (47 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 36 | 32 | Premium |
| 1.6 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 35 | 30 | 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.
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 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2012 MINI Cooper. 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 problems?
Owners have filed 66 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (28), engine (17), airbags (12).
What gas mileage does the 2012 MINI Cooper get?
EPA ratings run up to 32 mpg combined (1.6 L, Manual 6-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2012 MINI Cooper 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.