2012 Mini Cooper S: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 26 owner complaints on record; most reports concern electrical system; the 2014 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2023
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“FRM Footwell module failed leaving car stranded Problem identified by certified mechanic. Similar models (R55 & R56) in the same age range of my vehicle have been issued a recall, but the convertible model, in the same year, (R57) is not covered. All electric switches in the vehicle failed. Symptoms began with the ABS and parking brake warning lights lighting. Other warning light was a service light.”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2025
“The Footwell Module, referred to by the manufacturer as the FRM, has corrosion inside. The module is currently staying active and drawing power from the battery at all times. It appears to the same issue as 23V337000, but this chassis number is not included in the recall. I believe that this vehicle has as large a fire hazard as other vehicles involved in the recall.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2024
“The contact owns a 2012 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated that the headlights, turn signals, windows, and the radio were inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included. The local dealer was contacted, and it was diagnosed that there was no water leaking into the vehicle from the roof. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a claim for the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2024
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“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. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 2023
“My vehicle has an outstanding recall (NHTSA Recall #23V337) from over a year and a half ago. There is still no update on when this will be remedied. The recall states there is potential for a "thermal event", which to me is a fancy way of saying fire. For an incident where my vehicle can catch fire, I expect a bit quicker of a response from BMW/Mini.”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2023
“Our vehicle has the airbag light on and I am am very concerned with the safety of our family. After researching this issue, there are many mini owners that are having the same problem which leads me to believe that this is deeper than an isolated issue on my vehicle. I also found out that this has been an issues that was converted into a recall for several years before. Mini should considered doing an investigation and extending the recall to other year models including my 2012.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Nov 2020
“I love my mini cooper s. But there is a issue. Today I started up the car and it starts smoking. Twice this has happened in two weeks. When I bought it 2 years ago I noticed on the inside of my hood of the car it's a black burnt mark. The dealership said the problem had been fixed. Last week I took it to a oil shop and they said my turbo is burning my car and would catch fire soon. I'm in the process of getting a new turbo but this is a big problem cause now it's smoking only when in idle or started up.but the hood is super hot after a short drive. I hope your crew can look into this part and save someone the terror of a car on fire. Thank you for your time.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Oct 2020
“The car stalled while driving on freeway once and high pressure fuel pump was replaced by mini cooper and again second time on inner roads driving at 20 miles an hour....without any warning”Owner report · Engine · Nov 2019
“While moving in traffic and accelerating, the fuel pump cut out and the engine died, forcing the driver to maneuver in traffic (coasting) eventually coming to stop in a left hand turn lane which was then blocked with the dead vehicle. Though the vehicle was undamaged, the possibility of a collision existed. Research indicates that minis from 2010-early 2012 had similar problems, resulting in mini usa extending the warranty on the fuel pump to 10 years/ 120,000 miles. Vehicles produced on or after 3/1/2012 (including mine) were fitted with different equipment. No recall was conducted. My car had 25,000 miles on it when the fuel pump failed.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2019
“Takata inflators" I notice a burning smell inside my vehicle which I reported to the dealer. They stated "they couldn't find anything. Then I would depart from my car with the windows up sunroof closed and lock it I would return the windows would be all the way down and top up. This took place again on 3/6/19.”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 2018
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington D.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.
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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
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 Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.
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. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning June 11, 2018, and will receive a second notification when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at BMW 1-800-525-7417, MINI at 1-866-825-1525, or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Note: BMW recommends that owners park their vehicle outdoors until the recall remedy has been performed.
How other years compare
Check your exact Cooper S by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Mini Cooper S reliable?
NHTSA has 26 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2012 Mini Cooper S. The most complained-about area is electrical system.
Does the 2012 Mini Cooper S have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning electrical system. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.