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    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    We expect the 2024 Cooper will be more reliable than the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2021, 2022, and 2023 models, plus the Mini brand scores.

    The 2012 Mini Cooper has been recalled 2 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2012 Mini Cooper owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    What Owners Say

    Emission control devices (includes EGR)

    "System monitor reported problem. Fix required replacement of some parts at cost of $1500"

    Anonymous, CO (2012 Mini Cooper Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)
    Fuel injection system

    "Fuel injector on #3 cylinder failed; and when a fuel injector fails it takes out the ECU, which requires rebuild or repair of the entire ECU unit"

    Anonymous, NC (2012 Mini Cooper S 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Other emissions/fuel system problem

    "The cylinder 2 ignition coil had to be replaced in July of 2022. Since an ignition coil had to be replaced once before, in 2021, we had all three of the remaining coils replaced this time."

    Anonymous A., PA (2012 Mini Cooper S 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Paint And Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Loose exterior trim or moldings

    "Lower grill loose."

    Anonymous, CO (2012 Mini Cooper Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Transmission leaks

    "Was actually engine oil leaking out near the clutch/ transmission."

    Anonymous A., CT (2012 Mini Cooper Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    What Owners Say

    Other driveline problem

    "the cable from shifter to the engine failed; as a result, i could not shift the car into reverse, and also, had to guess which forward gear the car was in. i was able to shift gears, but not could not select a precise gear. since i had extensive experience driving a manual, i was able to drive the car cautiously until i could bring for the issue to be repaired. (new cable was installed)"

    Anonymous, NY (2012 Mini Cooper S 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    External music device interface (e.g., smart phone, MP3 player)

    "I can connect my smartphone to the car and use the phone to make a call but I cannot listen to music through it."

    Anonymous, IN (2012 Mini Cooper S 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    What Owners Say

    Clutch replacement

    "Started slipping suddenly, within a day had a hard time going up hill from a stop."

    Anonymous A., CT (2012 Mini Cooper Base 1.6-L 4 Cyl)

    Steering And Suspension

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Shocks or struts

    "Front struts started leaking, requiring replacement. Control arm bushings started leaking requiring replacement"

    Anonymous, NC (2012 Mini Cooper S 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    "The convertible top has come unglued at the seams on either side of the rear window probably from age. It is kept in a garage."

    Anonymous A., TX (2012 Mini Cooper S 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Noises And Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Mini vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
    Worse Better
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    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
    NA
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    NA

    NA

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    NA

    NA

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
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    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
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    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
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    Engine Cooling
    NA
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    NA
    NA
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    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
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    Transmission Major
    NA
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    Transmission Minor
    NA
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    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Steering and Suspension
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 330,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2023 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
    May 11, 2023
    An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    Dealers will inspect the sunroof drains, interior footwell area, and FRM and, depending upon the results of the inspection, certain components will be replaced. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed July 6, 2023. A second letter will be mailed once the remedy is developed. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V337000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 97933
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
    Apr 18, 2018
    If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V248000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 47806
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