Owners have filed 27 complaints
about the 2011 Mini Cooper Clubman with NHTSA between 2013 and 2025.
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 — 32
Against the median year of the Mini Cooper Clubman. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 19
3.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 64
38% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2011 compares with every other Mini Cooper Clubman
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
16.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
850.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
212.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
16.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
425.0%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2011 Mini Cooper Clubman SW FWD
—
—
—
—
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 2013peak 4Jul 2025
Recalls on the 2011 Mini Cooper 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.
United States — NHTSA
23V337000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Risk: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
11V299000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
BMW Is recalling certain model year 2011 Mini Cooper Clubman and Cooper S Clubman vehicles manufactured from February 8, 2011, through May 11, 2011, for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicles Safety Standard No. 101, "Controls and Displays." These vehicles are equipped with a European specification tachometer that uses brake-system telltales/symbols that do not meet U.S. requirements.
Risk: In the event of an ABS system problem, only the the outer circle of the symbol illuminates, not the ABS letters. As such, the driver may be unaware that there is a problem with the ABS, increasing the risk of a crash.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20103827,135 units in Canada
Label
On certain vehicles, the "B" pillar National Safety Mark label is distorted as a result of a printing error. This situation does not pose a risk to highway safety. Correction: Due to the inconsequential nature of this non-compliance, no action will be taken.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Cambridge, MAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
At about 6:40AM on September 23, 2022, the 2011 Mini Clubman car caught on fire. The car was parked in the driveway, locked with everything off, key removed and unoccupied. It was last driven the evening of September 22nd. About 6:40AM the interior behind the steering wheel and dashboard erupted into flames. The car filled with smoke and flames. The fire burned for about 5 -10 minutes and self extinguished. Just prior to the fire the headlights were reported to be on. After the fire, the windshield wipers were operating with no way to turn them off. At a reasonable time after the flames were no longer visible (10-15min), the driver's door was opened by the emergency key to vent the smoke. Upon inspection, the area around the left footwell near the driver's door was heavily charred with insulation burned off all wiring and co-located electrical devices. The hood release latch was melted. The air vent to the left of the steering wheel was missing and all the ductwork to that vent was missing. There was a large deformation and hole in the dashboard above and slightly to the right of the steering wheel and the windshield was cracked about 2-3 inches above the dashboard. It appears that electrical components and wiring inside the dashboard were also engulphed in flames but no detailed inspection of the damage occurred. Significant smoke damage occurred to the entire interior. The local fire department was called and they were able to open the hood and disconnect the battery which stopped the windshield wipers. The car was a stock car with no modifications. Reasonably maintained by professionals. The odometer reading before the fire was approximately 103,000 miles. No problems were noted prior to the incident. Insurance has considered the car a total loss and unrepairable. In general it is assumed by the writer that Mini's or any other car should not experience electrical fires when unoccupied, all devices are off, no key is present. Kindly investigate.
NHTSA complaint #11487831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Harrodsburg, KY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2011 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 check engine warning light was illuminated. The local 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 issue. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11677155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cypress, TX
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
My car has a problem with the FRM or foot control module the turn signal don’t work right, when putting the car in reverse the bulb will not work but it’s a brand new bulb, I know there is a recall for them 23V-337 but since my car has always been in Texas the recall doesn’t apply to it
NHTSA complaint #11619919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cypress, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My car has a problem with the FRM or foot control module the turn signal don’t work right, when putting the car in reverse the bulb will not work but it’s a brand new bulb, I know there is a recall for them 23V-337 but since my car has always been in Texas the recall doesn’t apply to it
NHTSA complaint #11619919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newbury Park, CA
AIR BAGS
I've just gotten a very common air bag seat mat sensor code (93c1) that Mini had a limited recall on - but alas my car did not get the code until it was outside the parameters of that repair program. What makes it worse is that the fix is over $1000 and there's very little concrete info on the actual danger (or not) of driving around with this code active. I've spend the better part of 2 days researching how to fix this & I'm still uncertain as to what to fully do.
NHTSA complaint #11610832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Moorefield, WV
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Safety recall since 3/23/2023. It's 07/19/2024. With no solution yet , it's been over a year now with no solution. That is a un timely manner. Need to know what to do now . Can not drive vehicle, no blinkers or brake lights. Please help.
NHTSA complaint #11603431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Moorefield, WV
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Safety recall since 3/23/2023. It's 07/19/2024. With no solution yet , it's been over a year now with no solution. That is a un timely manner. Need to know what to do now . Can not drive vehicle, no blinkers or brake lights. Please help.
NHTSA complaint #11603431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Moorefield, WV
SERVICE BRAKES
Safety recall since 3/23/2023. It's 07/19/2024. With no solution yet , it's been over a year now with no solution. That is a un timely manner. Need to know what to do now . Can not drive vehicle, no blinkers or brake lights. Please help.
NHTSA complaint #11603431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesWinchester, NH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper S Clubman. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel became inoperable, and the headlights started flickering. The contact related the failure to 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 not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA complaint #11598358 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,735 milesSan Jose, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper Clubman. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the footwell control module became inoperable. The contact stated that the window motors, the turn signals, and the headlights were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the footwell control module needed to be replaced and re-coded. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System). The failure mileage was approximately 45,735.
NHTSA complaint #11546474 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper Clubman. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. 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 #11532668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cambridge, MAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
At about 6:40AM on September 23, 2022, the 2011 Mini Clubman car caught on fire. The car was parked in the driveway, locked with everything off, key removed and unoccupied. It was last driven the evening of September 22nd. About 6:40AM the interior behind the steering wheel and dashboard erupted into flames. The car filled with smoke and flames. The fire burned for about 5 -10 minutes and self extinguished. Just prior to the fire the headlights were reported to be on. After the fire, the windshield wipers were operating with no way to turn them off. At a reasonable time after the flames were no longer visible (10-15min), the driver's door was opened by the emergency key to vent the smoke. Upon inspection, the area around the left footwell near the driver's door was heavily charred with insulation burned off all wiring and co-located electrical devices. The hood release latch was melted. The air vent to the left of the steering wheel was missing and all the ductwork to that vent was missing. There was a large deformation and hole in the dashboard above and slightly to the right of the steering wheel and the windshield was cracked about 2-3 inches above the dashboard. It appears that electrical components and wiring inside the dashboard were also engulphed in flames but no detailed inspection of the damage occurred. Significant smoke damage occurred to the entire interior. The local fire department was called and they were able to open the hood and disconnect the battery which stopped the windshield wipers. The car was a stock car with no modifications. Reasonably maintained by professionals. The odometer reading before the fire was approximately 103,000 miles. No problems were noted prior to the incident. Insurance has considered the car a total loss and unrepairable. In general it is assumed by the writer that Mini's or any other car should not experience electrical fires when unoccupied, all devices are off, no key is present. Kindly investigate.
NHTSA complaint #11487831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grapevine, TX
SEAT BELTS
Set Belt and Airbag Warning lights came light up for no reason and the computer got a hard code that cannot be reset (ACSM - Crash Safety Module, 93C3, OC3). This will be put in a Safety Risk if the car gets in an accident.
NHTSA complaint #11427489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grapevine, TX
AIR BAGS
Set Belt and Airbag Warning lights came light up for no reason and the computer got a hard code that cannot be reset (ACSM - Crash Safety Module, 93C3, OC3). This will be put in a Safety Risk if the car gets in an accident.
NHTSA complaint #11427489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,000 milesSAN Francisco, CA
AIR BAGS
FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR FAILED. DISPLAY SAYS THE AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #11171290 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,000 milesSAN Francisco, CA
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR FAILED. DISPLAY SAYS THE AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #11171290 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,000 milesSAN Francisco, CA
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR FAILED. DISPLAY SAYS THE AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #11171290 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesGAY, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE FRM CONTROL MODULE (AKA: FOOTWELL CONTROL MODULE) SUDDENLY FAILED AND DISABLED: BRAKE LIGHTS INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATION BLINKERS EMERGENCY FLASHERS HEADLIGHTS STUCK ON DIM/LOW BEAM TAIL RUNNING LIGHTS STUCK ON (NOT RESPONSIVE TO BRAKING) ALL OVERHEAD, DOOR EDGE AND FOOT CABIN LIGHTS NONOPERATIONAL WINDOWS NONOPERATIONAL FUEL CAP LOCK NONOPERATIONAL LED INTERIOR LIGHTS NONOPERATIONAL OBD NONOPERATIONAL WITH IGNITION ON, CAR MUST BE RUNNING TO ENABLE PASSENGER AIRBAG INTERMITTENTLY ON\OFF VERY UNSAFE AND A NONWEAR ITEM LIKE FRM SHOULD NOT JUST FAIL. FAILED WHEN STARTING VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11065846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesGAY, GA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE FRM CONTROL MODULE (AKA: FOOTWELL CONTROL MODULE) SUDDENLY FAILED AND DISABLED: BRAKE LIGHTS INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATION BLINKERS EMERGENCY FLASHERS HEADLIGHTS STUCK ON DIM/LOW BEAM TAIL RUNNING LIGHTS STUCK ON (NOT RESPONSIVE TO BRAKING) ALL OVERHEAD, DOOR EDGE AND FOOT CABIN LIGHTS NONOPERATIONAL WINDOWS NONOPERATIONAL FUEL CAP LOCK NONOPERATIONAL LED INTERIOR LIGHTS NONOPERATIONAL OBD NONOPERATIONAL WITH IGNITION ON, CAR MUST BE RUNNING TO ENABLE PASSENGER AIRBAG INTERMITTENTLY ON\OFF VERY UNSAFE AND A NONWEAR ITEM LIKE FRM SHOULD NOT JUST FAIL. FAILED WHEN STARTING VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11065846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesGAY, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE FRM CONTROL MODULE (AKA: FOOTWELL CONTROL MODULE) SUDDENLY FAILED AND DISABLED: BRAKE LIGHTS INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATION BLINKERS EMERGENCY FLASHERS HEADLIGHTS STUCK ON DIM/LOW BEAM TAIL RUNNING LIGHTS STUCK ON (NOT RESPONSIVE TO BRAKING) ALL OVERHEAD, DOOR EDGE AND FOOT CABIN LIGHTS NONOPERATIONAL WINDOWS NONOPERATIONAL FUEL CAP LOCK NONOPERATIONAL LED INTERIOR LIGHTS NONOPERATIONAL OBD NONOPERATIONAL WITH IGNITION ON, CAR MUST BE RUNNING TO ENABLE PASSENGER AIRBAG INTERMITTENTLY ON\OFF VERY UNSAFE AND A NONWEAR ITEM LIKE FRM SHOULD NOT JUST FAIL. FAILED WHEN STARTING VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11065846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesTallassee, AL
AIR BAGS
WE BOUGHT OUR CAR, A MINI COOPER CLUBMAN 2011, USED IN 2012, WITH APPROXIMATELY 32K MILES ON IT. THERE WERE ISSUES THAT THE MINI DEALER TOOK CARE OF WITHOUT ISSUE, BUT FOR THE LAST 4+ YEARS WE HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WARNING LIGHTS REMAINING ON. WHEN IT FIRST OCCURRED IT WOULD INTERMITTENTLY GO ON AND OFF WITH REASON OR KNOWN CAUSE. WE CONTACTED THE DEALER WHO SAID THIS WAS NOT A WARRANTY OR RECALL ISSUE, BUT WOULD GLADLY MAKE NECESSARY REPAIRS FOR A COSTLY 2K. WE DO NOT HAVE 2K TO SPEND ON A LIFE SAVING FEATURE THAT WAS INCLUDED AS A STANDARD FEATURE. LIFE SAVING EQUIPMENT SHOULD NOT BE A MAINTENANCE ISSUE BUT RATHER A MANUFACTURER RESPONSIBILITY.
NHTSA complaint #11024205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 51,450 milesSchofield Barracks, HI
SEATS
MY MINI COOPER CLUBMAN 2011 STARTED GIVING ME PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT SIGNAL OFF, TOOK IT TO A MINI COOPER MECHANIC, THEY SAID IT'S A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR. SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE ONLINE SEEMS TO BE HAVING SIMILAR ISSUE, MINI REALLY NEEDS TO WORK ON THE AIRBAG SEAT SENSOR
NHTSA complaint #10983541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 51,450 milesSchofield Barracks, HI
AIR BAGS
MY MINI COOPER CLUBMAN 2011 STARTED GIVING ME PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT SIGNAL OFF, TOOK IT TO A MINI COOPER MECHANIC, THEY SAID IT'S A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR. SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE ONLINE SEEMS TO BE HAVING SIMILAR ISSUE, MINI REALLY NEEDS TO WORK ON THE AIRBAG SEAT SENSOR
NHTSA complaint #10983541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesTullahoma, TN
AIR BAGS
THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM DISABLED. IT DISABLES THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT HAS PLAGUED EARLIER MODELS.
NHTSA complaint #10898472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,900 milesS. Weymouth, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THIS SPRING THE RIGHT FRONT (PASSENGER SIDE) SUN ROOF DRAIN HOSE CAME OFF WHILE THE CAR WAS SITTING. WATER POURED DOWN THE FRONT PILLAR FLOODING THE ELECTRICAL CONTROL BOX AND PUTTING APPROX. 2 " OF WATER INTO THE FLOOR. (FOUND THIS OUT AFTER IT BROKE DOWN) THE CAR WAS DRIED OUT AND NOT KNOWING THE CAUSE FLOODED AGAIN. I READ ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AFTER LOOKING ON THE INTERNET AND REATTACHED THE HOSE. SEVERAL DAYS LATER MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE CAR THROUGH ONE OF THE WORST INTERSTATE INTERSECTIONS IN MA, RT3 AND 93 MERGE, AND THE CAR LOST POWER AND STALLED. SHE GOT THE CAR TO START AGAIN SEVERAL TIMES AND EVENTUALLY GOT TO A SAFE PLACE OFF THE HIGHWAY WHERE THE CAR WAS TOWED. FIRST OF ALL HOW IS THIS DESIGN EVEN ALLOWED? BMW IS WELL AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM YET DID NOTHING TO TRY TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM OR NOTIFY US OF SUCH A POOR DESIGN DEFECT. (IT TOOK ME 15 MINUTES TO FIX). THE DEALER WANTED $2550. TO REPAIR. MY WIFE AND SISTER IN LAW COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED.
NHTSA complaint #10859916 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,861 milesMission Viejo, CA
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MINI COOPER CLUBMAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FAILED TO RESPOND, AND ALL OF THE GAUGES ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WENT BLANK WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER AND POWERED OFF. THE CONTACT ROLLED DOWN THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW; HOWEVER, BOTH FRONT WINDOWS BEGAN TO GO UP AND DOWN WITHOUT WARNING UNTIL THE CONTACT REMOVED THE KEY FOB FROM THE IGNITION. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE BATTERY WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,861.
NHTSA complaint #10713867 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.