Owners have filed 16 complaints
about the 2012 Mini Clubman with NHTSA between 2021 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 4 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 38
Against the median year of the Mini Clubman. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2012 Mini Clubman
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Electrical System
743.8%
Median failure at 66,250 miles
Other & Unspecified
212.5%
Fuel & Propulsion
212.5%
Airbags
212.5%
Median failure at 91,000 miles
Engine & Cooling
212.5%
Seats
16.3%
Median failure at 91,000 miles
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 2021peak 3Jun 2026
Recalls on the 2012 Mini Clubman
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2024544587,250 units in Canada
Label
Issue: On certain vehicles, the tire and loading information label does not list that there is no spare tire in both official languages. The label reads as "NONE" when it should read as "NONE / AUCUN". Canadian regulations require the information to be listed on the label in both English and French. Safety Risk: This error does not affect vehicle safety. Corrective Actions: This is not a recall. The company has corrected the tire and loading information label for all new vehicles.
Recall 202328121,319 units in Canada
Electrical
Issue: On certain vehicles, the footwell module (FRM) may become contaminated by a mixture of salt and moisture inside the vehicle. Over time, this can lead to corrosion that could cause a short circuit. Safety Risk: A short circuit can create a fire risk, even while the vehicle is parked and turned off. Corrective actions: BMW will notify owners by mail. The corrective actions for this recall are under development. BMW advises that you should park your vehicle outdoors and away from other vehicles or structures until the recall repairs have been completed.
Recall 201854418,468 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, the footwell module (FRM3) may become contaminated by a mixture of salt and moisture which could lead to corrosion over time. This could cause a short circuit, resulting in overheating of the module that could lead to a fire causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect the footwell module, and replace if necessary. A protective film will be also installed over the module. Note: Owners are advised to park the vehicle outdoors until the recall repairs have been completed.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Indianapolis, IN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
while driving i noticed that there was some malfunctions with the car electronics and down by the drivers footwell there was a burning smell coming from it (fcm) which had me to stop the vehicle and get it towed home and stopped me from driving the car because of a risk of fire
NHTSA complaint #11745660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Indianapolis, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
while driving i noticed that there was some malfunctions with the car electronics and down by the drivers footwell there was a burning smell coming from it (fcm) which had me to stop the vehicle and get it towed home and stopped me from driving the car because of a risk of fire
NHTSA complaint #11745660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Solvang, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WMWZG3C50CTY37438 Scan.pdf
NHTSA complaint #11666189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Solvang, CA
ENGINE
WMWZG3C50CTY37438 Scan.pdf
NHTSA complaint #11666189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Solvang, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WMWZG3C50CTY37438 Scan.pdf
NHTSA complaint #11666189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
River Edge, NJ
AIR BAGS
Passenger side seat airbag sensor not working warning light and massages indicate airbag restraint issue.
NHTSA complaint #11638194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington, DC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2012 Mini Cooper Clubman. 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 contact stated that after receiving the recall notification, the contact allowed the vehicle to remain parked. The contact then went to start the vehicle and the vehicle failed to start. The contact believed the footwell module had drained the battery causing the battery to be replaced. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11592199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Solvang, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Rough car start & hiccups on commute to work after rain storm. Indicating multiple mis fires 300, 301, 302, 304,
NHTSA complaint #11564055 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Solvang, CA
ENGINE
Rough car start & hiccups on commute to work after rain storm. Indicating multiple mis fires 300, 301, 302, 304,
NHTSA complaint #11564055 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Solvang, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Rough car start & hiccups on commute to work after rain storm. Indicating multiple mis fires 300, 301, 302, 304,
NHTSA complaint #11564055 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesTecumseh, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2012 Mini Cooper Clubman. The contact stated that the turn signals, exterior lighting, power windows, and power locks all failed to operate as needed. The check engine warning light was also illuminated. Months prior to the failure, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure was approximately 70,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The contact stated the car is not drivable, turn signals, hazards and windows inoperable. MINI/BMW informed the contact could receive the FCM update if she paid out of pocket for the update.
NHTSA complaint #11536927 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Savannah, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The footwell module failed due to corrosion. This is a known issue with these vehicles and is a fire hazard. Recall 23V-337 is active but is currently being limited to vehicles in certain northern states citing the use of road salt. This design issue is not limited to vehicles exposed to road salt. For example my vehicle has been exposed to years of salty, humid air as a result of being used on the coast of SC and GA. I request the recall be expanded to cover vehicles used in other states especially those exposed to coastal environments.
NHTSA complaint #11524670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,500 milesVancouver, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2012 Mini Cooper Clubman. The contact stated that while reversing into a parking space and depressing the brake pedal, the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. After restarting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the power windows, headlights, taillights, and the radio was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the electronic control module in the footwell. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 62,500.
NHTSA complaint #11524538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The engine drive belt has been replaced twice. The ignition coils have been replaced twice.there have been recurrent problems with oil leaks beginning in 2016. The “water pipe” was replaced due to leak. The thermostat assembly was leaking and that was replaced. The front sway bar links and bushings were also replaced. This car has been nothing but trouble. Currently it needs a new catalytic converter due to an air leak in a section. I have repair bills for every incident. The date below is the date the oil control solenoid was replaced.
NHTSA complaint #11469103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,000 milesRaleigh, NC
SEATS
SEAT OCCUPANT SENSOR IS BAD. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE SAME THING ON OTHER YEARS AND MODELS, BUT NOT THE 2012 MINI COOPER COUNTRYMAN, WHICH MAKES VERY LITTLE SENSE BEING THAT ITS A COMMON PROBLEM AS WELL AS BEING THAT ITS THE SAME PROBLEM. THE AIRBAG SENSOR GOES ON AND OFF WHICH CAN CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION.
NHTSA complaint #11390201 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,000 milesRaleigh, NC
AIR BAGS
SEAT OCCUPANT SENSOR IS BAD. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE SAME THING ON OTHER YEARS AND MODELS, BUT NOT THE 2012 MINI COOPER COUNTRYMAN, WHICH MAKES VERY LITTLE SENSE BEING THAT ITS A COMMON PROBLEM AS WELL AS BEING THAT ITS THE SAME PROBLEM. THE AIRBAG SENSOR GOES ON AND OFF WHICH CAN CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION.
NHTSA complaint #11390201 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.