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Research · Subcompact Cars

2012 MINI Cooper ClubmanRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 31 owner complaints for the 2012 MINI Cooper Clubman. Most complaints involve electrical system (25) and air bags (4). The EPA rates it 30 mpg combined.

Check a VINAdd to my garage
Combined MPG
30mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest May 2023
Owner complaints
31
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,600est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Electrical system

Free remedy

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.

Electrical systemReported May 11, 2023NHTSA 23V337000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 7, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

31 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2021 – Jul 2026
  1. Electrical system25
  2. Air bags4
  3. Fuel/propulsion system3
  4. Engine2
  5. Exterior lighting2
  6. Power train1
  7. Seats1
  8. Other / unknown4

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Cooper Clubman model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
201231
201317
20144
20170
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 7, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

25 reports1 fire
“This vin waa not included in a recall however had recall issues it obtained water in the footwell which mini has a recall issue for this and the car was caught on fire it is at the dealership in [XXX]”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 16, 2026Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11750905

Air bags

4 reports
“Mini BMW is fully aware of an issue with their OC3 detection mat on the passengers side and offered a extended warranty of 10 years/ 100k miles. This is insufficient coverage for a crucial saftey part and has led to a grey market production of occupancy detection mats "emulators" which are being sold online as the only way to have your airbag system "functional".”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 4, 2024Air bagsODI 11628890

Fuel/propulsion system

3 reports
“WMWZG3C50CTY37438 Scan.pdf”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 10, 2025Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11666189
All 2012 Cooper Clubman problemsSend a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 7, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Subcompact Cars
Engines
1.6L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S6) · Manual 6-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Cooper Clubman
Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive
273430$2,600296
Cooper Clubman
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive
273430$2,600296
  • Cooper Clubman
    Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L
    27 city · 34 hwy · $2,600/yr
    30
    mpg comb.
  • Cooper Clubman
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L
    27 city · 34 hwy · $2,600/yr
    30
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2012 MINI Cooper Clubman as of Nov 7, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 7, 2026Vehicle 6061
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2012 Cooper Clubman questions

How many recalls does the 2012 MINI Cooper Clubman have?

1 safety recall as of Nov 7, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2012 MINI Cooper Clubman problems?

Owners filed 31 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (25), air bags (4), fuel/propulsion system (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2012 MINI Cooper Clubman get?

The EPA rates the 2012 MINI Cooper Clubman at 30 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 7, 2026