Owners have filed 19 complaints
about the 2013 Mini Clubman with NHTSA between 2014 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 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 — 45
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 — 21
13% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2013 Mini Clubman
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Electrical System
736.8%
Median failure at 130,000 miles
Other & Unspecified
315.8%
Median failure at 77,000 miles
Lights
315.8%
Median failure at 52,747 miles
Brakes
210.5%
Median failure at 8,749 miles
Airbags
210.5%
Engine & Cooling
210.5%
Median failure at 77,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
112.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
225.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
337.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
225.0%
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 2014peak 4Mar 2026
Recalls on the 2013 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.
Zebulon, NC
AIR BAGS
Vehicle: MINI Cooper Clubman (Model R55) VIN: [XXX] Recall: NHTSA 23V-337 Dealer: Flow MINI of Raleigh, NC 1. COMPONENT FAILED: The Junction Box Electronics (JBE) failed due to moisture/water intrusion, producing electrical fault codes across all core systems including airbags, brakes, and a JBE communication fault. The vehicle is located at Flow MINI of Raleigh and is available for inspection. 2. SAFETY RISK: Recall 23V-337 identifies that moisture intrusion into the JBE can lead to corrosion, short circuit, and in rare cases a thermal event (fire). My vehicle's carpet is wet, confirming active water intrusion into the footwell where the JBE is installed. Airbag and brake faults appear exclusively when it rains or when the vehicle is washed, directly and unambiguously linking all symptoms to water intrusion. The vehicle is currently unsafe to operate. 3. DEALER CONFIRMATION: Flow MINI of Raleigh confirmed moisture/water intrusion is causing the JBE faults — directly reproducing the failure during a dealer-performed wash. The dealer declined the recall repair solely because [XXX] is not listed among covered states. 4. MANUFACTURER RESPONSE: MINI USA denied coverage exclusively on the basis that North Carolina is not included in the recall's geographic region. The defect itself has not been disputed. 5. BASIS FOR COMPLAINT: The recall's geographic restriction was established based on road salt usage. North Carolina roads do receive road salt treatment during winter weather events. The recall documentation (RCRIT-23V337-7125.pdf, Page 4, Item 12) explicitly names the JBE as a covered component. I request that NHTSA: (1) treat this as urgent given confirmed airbag and brake faults, (2) review whether NC should be included in the recall's geographic scope, and (3) compel MINI USA to perform the recall repair on VIN [XXX] at no cost. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11726797 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Zebulon, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle: MINI Cooper Clubman (Model R55) VIN: [XXX] Recall: NHTSA 23V-337 Dealer: Flow MINI of Raleigh, NC 1. COMPONENT FAILED: The Junction Box Electronics (JBE) failed due to moisture/water intrusion, producing electrical fault codes across all core systems including airbags, brakes, and a JBE communication fault. The vehicle is located at Flow MINI of Raleigh and is available for inspection. 2. SAFETY RISK: Recall 23V-337 identifies that moisture intrusion into the JBE can lead to corrosion, short circuit, and in rare cases a thermal event (fire). My vehicle's carpet is wet, confirming active water intrusion into the footwell where the JBE is installed. Airbag and brake faults appear exclusively when it rains or when the vehicle is washed, directly and unambiguously linking all symptoms to water intrusion. The vehicle is currently unsafe to operate. 3. DEALER CONFIRMATION: Flow MINI of Raleigh confirmed moisture/water intrusion is causing the JBE faults — directly reproducing the failure during a dealer-performed wash. The dealer declined the recall repair solely because [XXX] is not listed among covered states. 4. MANUFACTURER RESPONSE: MINI USA denied coverage exclusively on the basis that North Carolina is not included in the recall's geographic region. The defect itself has not been disputed. 5. BASIS FOR COMPLAINT: The recall's geographic restriction was established based on road salt usage. North Carolina roads do receive road salt treatment during winter weather events. The recall documentation (RCRIT-23V337-7125.pdf, Page 4, Item 12) explicitly names the JBE as a covered component. I request that NHTSA: (1) treat this as urgent given confirmed airbag and brake faults, (2) review whether NC should be included in the recall's geographic scope, and (3) compel MINI USA to perform the recall repair on VIN [XXX] at no cost. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11726797 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Zebulon, NC
SERVICE BRAKES
Vehicle: MINI Cooper Clubman (Model R55) VIN: [XXX] Recall: NHTSA 23V-337 Dealer: Flow MINI of Raleigh, NC 1. COMPONENT FAILED: The Junction Box Electronics (JBE) failed due to moisture/water intrusion, producing electrical fault codes across all core systems including airbags, brakes, and a JBE communication fault. The vehicle is located at Flow MINI of Raleigh and is available for inspection. 2. SAFETY RISK: Recall 23V-337 identifies that moisture intrusion into the JBE can lead to corrosion, short circuit, and in rare cases a thermal event (fire). My vehicle's carpet is wet, confirming active water intrusion into the footwell where the JBE is installed. Airbag and brake faults appear exclusively when it rains or when the vehicle is washed, directly and unambiguously linking all symptoms to water intrusion. The vehicle is currently unsafe to operate. 3. DEALER CONFIRMATION: Flow MINI of Raleigh confirmed moisture/water intrusion is causing the JBE faults — directly reproducing the failure during a dealer-performed wash. The dealer declined the recall repair solely because [XXX] is not listed among covered states. 4. MANUFACTURER RESPONSE: MINI USA denied coverage exclusively on the basis that North Carolina is not included in the recall's geographic region. The defect itself has not been disputed. 5. BASIS FOR COMPLAINT: The recall's geographic restriction was established based on road salt usage. North Carolina roads do receive road salt treatment during winter weather events. The recall documentation (RCRIT-23V337-7125.pdf, Page 4, Item 12) explicitly names the JBE as a covered component. I request that NHTSA: (1) treat this as urgent given confirmed airbag and brake faults, (2) review whether NC should be included in the recall's geographic scope, and (3) compel MINI USA to perform the recall repair on VIN [XXX] at no cost. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11726797 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shelter Island Heights, NY
AIR BAGS
The 'Passenger air bag off' alert recurs without apparent cause, suggesting a system malfunction. I took my vehicle to a MINI dealership for evaluation, only to be informed that this is a known issue requiring replacement of the entire system at a cost of $1,800 + tax. Online research reveals that many MINI owners with similar models face this safety issue. Given the severity and prevalence of this problem, I respectfully request that your agency consider ordering a recall for affected vehicles to ensure a free and safe repair."
NHTSA complaint #11664281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Muscle Shoals, AL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Footwell module failure. No longer have turn signals, brake lights, power windows, dash lights, etc. When it rains, all warning lights go off and on continuously until it dries out.
NHTSA complaint #11662055 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Muscle Shoals, AL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Footwell module failure. No longer have turn signals, brake lights, power windows, dash lights, etc. When it rains, all warning lights go off and on continuously until it dries out.
NHTSA complaint #11662055 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Muscle Shoals, AL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Footwell module failure. No longer have turn signals, brake lights, power windows, dash lights, etc. When it rains, all warning lights go off and on continuously until it dries out.
NHTSA complaint #11662055 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 134,000 milesMuscle Shoals, AL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2013 Mini Cooper Clubman. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were occasionally remain illuminated while it was raining and while the vehicle was being washed, simultaneously causing the brake lights, turn signals, power windows, and other electrical components to malfunction. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 134,000.
NHTSA complaint #11661055 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fairmont, WV
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Car is not starting when sitting over night or parked at a lot. Windows will not roll down. Blinkers will not work. Difficulty when transporting my special needs child places as it is difficulty when car will not function as it should. Near accidents have almost occurred due to blinkers not working. I have been told by two different mechanics after diagnostic that the Foot Wheel Module is the problem identified.
NHTSA complaint #11614874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fairmont, WV
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Car is not starting when sitting over night or parked at a lot. Windows will not roll down. Blinkers will not work. Difficulty when transporting my special needs child places as it is difficulty when car will not function as it should. Near accidents have almost occurred due to blinkers not working. I have been told by two different mechanics after diagnostic that the Foot Wheel Module is the problem identified.
NHTSA complaint #11614874 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hamburg, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2013 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 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 contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11598316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesColumbiaville, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2013 Mini Cooper Clubman. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the headlight failed to illuminate and the turn signals failed to engage. Additionally, the contact stated that the interior lights failed to turn off causing the battery to drain. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with electrical system 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 dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure . The failure mileage was 130,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11583544 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,747 milesPawleys Island, SC
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS
The contact owns a 2013 Mini Cooper Clubman. The contact stated that the driver’s side backup light was inoperable. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who performed a diagnostic test and stated there was a failure with the driver’s side backup light, and a defective footwell module. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 52,747. The contact stated the defective footwell module was a recall and never informed of the recall.
NHTSA complaint #11577116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brooksville, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
UNKNOWN I was informed in July about the recall for my vehicle for the footwell control module. I have since taken my car in twice, the most being December 22, and they informed me that the fix for the recap was still not available. The recall was initially issued in May of last year, so it has been almost 8 months without being able to resolve the recall.
NHTSA complaint #11563807 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,000 milesSAN Ramon, CA
ENGINE
PLEASE REFER TO UPLOADED DOCUMENT
NHTSA complaint #11363724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,000 milesSAN Ramon, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
DRIVING DOWN 680 FROM BERKELEY, CA AT AROUND 2:30PM: I WAS HEADING HOME AND TEMPERATURE LIGHT APPEARS ON DASH. I NOTICE IT AND TRY TO PULL OFF FREEWAY TRYING TO GET TO SAFE AREA TO STOP. BEFORE I COULD PULL OVER TO SAFETY, THE CAR STOPPED RUNNING (ENGINE SHUT OFF). IMMEDIATELY STEAM WAS COMING FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND I COULD NOT GET ENGINE TO START AGAIN. I CALLED TOW TRUCK AND THE CAR WAS TOWED TO PLEASANTON, CA MINI DEALERSHIP/SERVICE DEPARTMENT. I WAS UNAWARE THAT MINI HAD EXTENDED THE TEMPERATURE HOUSING PART OF ENGINE TO 10 YEAR WARRANTY DUE TO THE PART BEING FAULTY. THE FIRST AND LAST TIME THE TEMPERATURE GUAGE WARNING LIGHT APPEARED WAS THE LAST TIME I WAS ABLE TO START OR DRIVE THE CAR! NO WARNING.... NONE! THE CAR OVERHEATED AND DESTROYED THE ENGINE REQUIRING A NEW ENGINE THAT WILL COST MORE THAT THE CAR IS WORTH. THE CAR IS A 2013 MINI CLUBMAN AND THE TEMPERATURE HOUSING PART OF ENGINE IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. I WAS DRIVING IN THE SLOW LANE OF THE FREEWAY AND IF I HAD NOT BEEN, THE CAR WOULD HAVE STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF FREEWAY! I OR SOMEONE ELSE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. THE PART IS A KNOWN DEFECT YET THE ONLY REMEDY FROM MINI CORPORATION WAS TO EXTEND WARRANTY FROM 3 YEARS TO 10 YEARS. THAT DID NOTHING FOR ME. I HAD NO WARNING, NO LIGHT, NO NOTHING TO MAKE ME AWARE THAT THE CAR WAS GOING TO GET SO HOT THAT THE ENGINE WOULD FAIL NEARLY IMMEDIATELY. THE FAULTY TEMPERATURE HOUSING PART SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED RATHER THAN EXTEND WARRANTY. AGAIN, I WAS ON FREEWAY AND NO WARNING INDICATING THE ENGINE WAS GETTING DANGEROUSLY HOT. NOT ONLY A SAFETY ISSUE BUT CLEARLY AN ISSUE FOR THE ENGINE AND CAR BEING WORTHLESS DUE TO ENGINE FAILURE. WE REGULARLY GET THE CAR SERVICED AND HAVE TAKEN CARE OF THE ENGINE AND CAR. THE LAST TIME IT WAS SERVICED WAS MARCH 2020 AND THIS OCCURRED OCTOBER 2020.
NHTSA complaint #11362941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,000 milesSAN Ramon, CA
ENGINE
DRIVING DOWN 680 FROM BERKELEY, CA AT AROUND 2:30PM: I WAS HEADING HOME AND TEMPERATURE LIGHT APPEARS ON DASH. I NOTICE IT AND TRY TO PULL OFF FREEWAY TRYING TO GET TO SAFE AREA TO STOP. BEFORE I COULD PULL OVER TO SAFETY, THE CAR STOPPED RUNNING (ENGINE SHUT OFF). IMMEDIATELY STEAM WAS COMING FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND I COULD NOT GET ENGINE TO START AGAIN. I CALLED TOW TRUCK AND THE CAR WAS TOWED TO PLEASANTON, CA MINI DEALERSHIP/SERVICE DEPARTMENT. I WAS UNAWARE THAT MINI HAD EXTENDED THE TEMPERATURE HOUSING PART OF ENGINE TO 10 YEAR WARRANTY DUE TO THE PART BEING FAULTY. THE FIRST AND LAST TIME THE TEMPERATURE GUAGE WARNING LIGHT APPEARED WAS THE LAST TIME I WAS ABLE TO START OR DRIVE THE CAR! NO WARNING.... NONE! THE CAR OVERHEATED AND DESTROYED THE ENGINE REQUIRING A NEW ENGINE THAT WILL COST MORE THAT THE CAR IS WORTH. THE CAR IS A 2013 MINI CLUBMAN AND THE TEMPERATURE HOUSING PART OF ENGINE IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. I WAS DRIVING IN THE SLOW LANE OF THE FREEWAY AND IF I HAD NOT BEEN, THE CAR WOULD HAVE STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF FREEWAY! I OR SOMEONE ELSE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. THE PART IS A KNOWN DEFECT YET THE ONLY REMEDY FROM MINI CORPORATION WAS TO EXTEND WARRANTY FROM 3 YEARS TO 10 YEARS. THAT DID NOTHING FOR ME. I HAD NO WARNING, NO LIGHT, NO NOTHING TO MAKE ME AWARE THAT THE CAR WAS GOING TO GET SO HOT THAT THE ENGINE WOULD FAIL NEARLY IMMEDIATELY. THE FAULTY TEMPERATURE HOUSING PART SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED RATHER THAN EXTEND WARRANTY. AGAIN, I WAS ON FREEWAY AND NO WARNING INDICATING THE ENGINE WAS GETTING DANGEROUSLY HOT. NOT ONLY A SAFETY ISSUE BUT CLEARLY AN ISSUE FOR THE ENGINE AND CAR BEING WORTHLESS DUE TO ENGINE FAILURE. WE REGULARLY GET THE CAR SERVICED AND HAVE TAKEN CARE OF THE ENGINE AND CAR. THE LAST TIME IT WAS SERVICED WAS MARCH 2020 AND THIS OCCURRED OCTOBER 2020.
NHTSA complaint #11362941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 milesNEW Orleans, LA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
IGNITION COIL FAILED CAUSING VEHICLE TO DISABLE WHILE MOVING ON A 4 LANE PARKWAY. THERE IS A "LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION" ON THIS PART (THE IGNITION COIL) FOR THIS MAKE AND MODEL, SUGGESTING THAT A DEFECT IS KNOWN, BUT IT HAS NOT BEEN DECLARED A RECALL (YET) THE PART FAILING BLEW THE FUSE FOR THE COIL CIRCUIT AND ALSO TOOK OUT THE VEHICLE'S ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT, CAUSING THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN DAMAGE, FOR WHICH THE MANUFACTURER ONLY CONSIDER THE IGNITION COIL TO BE COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. THIS PART FAILING CAUSED AN EXTREMELY UNSAFE SITUATION IN THAT MY VEHICLE COMPLETELY DISABLED BLOCKING A LANE OF TRAFFIC. I THEN WAITED IN THE RAIN FOR NEARLY 2 HOURS ON NEW YEAR'S EVE FOR A TOW TRUCK. I WANT OTHERS TO KNOW THAT THIS PART CAN POTENTIALLY FAIL TO HOPEFULLY KEEP THEM FROM HAVING THIS SITUATION. I AM STILL WAITING FOR INVOICE FROM REPAIR SHOP BUT WILL UPLOAD IT LATER.
NHTSA complaint #11165231 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,749 milesTemecula, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
I HAVE A 2013 MINI CLUBMAN S WITH ONLY 8K MILES ON IT. AS I STARTED IT TODAY AND WAS DRIVING OUT OF MY GARAGE THE BRAKES WOULD NOT FUNCTION AS THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS VERY HARD, (LIKE STEPPING ON A BRICK) AND WAS UNABLE TO BRING THE CAR TO A STOP USING THE BRAKE PEDAL? LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR WITH THE PARKING BRAKE LEVER BEFORE I HIT ANYTHING... (THANK GOD MY WIFE WASN'T DRIVING...) AS IT, OF COURSE IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY IT IS GOING INTO THE DEALER TOMORROW, BUT THEY CLAIM "THEY HAVE NEVER HERD OF THIS PROBLEM"? THIS WAS VERY FRIGHTENING AND AM NOW CONCERNED ABOUT A RECURRENCE OF THE BRAKES FAILING AGAIN AND CAUSING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF IT WERE TO REOCCUR ON THE HIGHWAY AND HIGHER SPEEDS... THE CAR, (BRAKES) WERE FUNCTIONING PROPERLY WHEN I PARKED THE CAR IN THE GARAGE THE NIGHT BEFORE... I'M CONFIDENT THE DEALER WILL CORRECT THE PROBLEM, BUT I'M VERY UNNERVED BY THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS INCIDENT...
NHTSA complaint #10561727 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.