2012 MINI Cooper Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 28about this part
- Share
- 42%of 66 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 58,749miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 28 complaints about the electrical system of the 2012 MINI Cooper, 42% of the 66 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 58,749 miles. 5 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. This is when I pulled over into the off ramp and the vehicle came to a sputtering stop. I placed the car in neutral and pushed it to the dirt side lane of the off ramp. I opened the hood, smelled something burning, and saw smoke coming from the engine. I could see burnt circuits, burnt plastic, and coolant leaking all over the engine and exposed wiring. …”
NHTSA complaint #11119998, filed 2018-08, 56,000 miles“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 the engine failure light also appeared. This is when I pulled over into the off ramp, and the vehicle came to a sputtering stop. I placed the car in neutral and pushed it to the dirt side lane of the off ramp. I opened the hood, smelled something burning, and saw smoke coming from the engine. I could see burnt circuits, burnt plastic, and coolant leaking all over the engine and exposed wiring. …”
NHTSA complaint #11120060, filed 2018-08, 56,000 miles“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 the engine failure light also appeared. This is when I pulled over into the off ramp, and the vehicle came to a sputtering stop. I placed the car in neutral and pushed it to the dirt side lane of the off ramp. I opened the hood, smelled something burning, and saw smoke coming from the engine. I could see burnt circuits, burnt plastic, and coolant leaking all over the engine and exposed wiring. …”
NHTSA complaint #11120057, filed 2018-08, 56,000 miles“Purchased a certified pre-owned Mini next 2012 clubman 6-speed with 6,498 miles on it 08/2013. * 10/14/2013 around 9k miles lost power on the highway and went into limp mode, maneuvered to side of highway and called roadside assistance. Towed car in to dealer who replaced 4 spark plugs said all was ok. * 10/17/2013 I pick the car up, get 3 miles from dealer on interstate and the car does it again so I maneuvered off the closest exit and called roadside assistance. Towed back into dealer and they kept car until 26th. They said the dme was bad and replaced it and 4 fuel injectors. …”
NHTSA complaint #10551014, filed 2013-11, 9,030 miles“Started car, red service icon on dash alternating with driver door open icon. This was a loss of interior lights, signal lights, brake lights, hazard lights, window up/down controls, and door lock functions. Car otherwise operated normally. This malfunction requires dealer only repair.”
NHTSA complaint #10676175, filed 2015-01, 85,000 milesRelated recalls
- 23V337000May 11, 2023BMW 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…Covers: MINI Cooper 2007–2013, Cooper S 2007–2013, JCW 2007–2013 +1 more
Related service bulletins
- 11037535Sep 21, 2026While performing a 12-Volt battery jump start, disconnect, or replacement, vehicle test, and/or programmingprocedure- the MINI Footwell Module (FRM) may become unresponsive.
- 11032745May 6, 2026The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 186,000 miles as determined from the…
- 11031881Apr 30, 2026While performing a 12-Volt battery jump start, disconnect, or replacement, vehicle test, and/or programming procedure- the MINI Footwell Module (FRM) may become unresponsive.
- 11015837Mar 18, 2025The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 186,000 miles as determined from the…
- 10244507Oct 25, 2023MINI electrical systems have continued to develop over the past few years. As a result, the demand on the batteries has increased. Breakdowns due to an empty battery or problems…
- 10206696Dec 1, 2021New RDC wheel electronics will be introduced with future generation MINI models. The new wheel electronics are identified as Huf Generation 5. These new wheel electronics will…
- 10171506Jan 1, 2020CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: N14 HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP (HDP) SERVICE BENEFIT CLASS VEHICLES: The MINI vehicle may experience a sudden engine operational failure reduced or loss of…
- 10159154Mar 1, 2019N16 ENGINE IGNITION COILS: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120000 MILES This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI M01 08 17 dated February 2018.
- 10143579May 1, 2018NAVIGATION SYSTEM HAS MISSING OR INCORRECT ROAD MAP DATA: The route guidance is inaccurate and therefore irritating to the customer; or it is not possible to locate certain…
- 10150985Jan 1, 2017?OC3 SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES. This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 01 11 16 dated December 2016.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 14% |
| 2021 | 3 | 43% |
| 2020 | 2 | 29% |
| 2019 | 2 | 17% |
| 2018 | 2 | 25% |
| 2017 | 5 | 18% |
| 2016 | 8 | 29% |
| 2015 | 10 | 18% |
| 2014 | 8 | 24% |
| 2013 | 19 | 40% |
| 2012 | 28 | 42% |
| 2011 | 37 | 45% |
| 2010 | 29 | 32% |
| 2009 | 25 | 17% |
| 2008 | 11 | 9% |
| 2007 | 27 | 23% |
| 2006 | 10 | 5% |
| 2005 | 30 | 8% |
| 2004 | 15 | 5% |
| 2003 | 26 | 8% |
| 2002 | 13 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2012 MINI Cooper
17 complaintsAir bags
12 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 MINI Cooper
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology