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Research · Subcompact Cars

2013 MINI Cooper ClubmanRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 17 owner complaints for the 2013 MINI Cooper Clubman. Most complaints involve electrical system (10) and air bags (3). 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
17
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

17 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2014 – Mar 2026
  1. Electrical system10
  2. Air bags3
  3. Exterior lighting3
  4. Service brakes2
  5. Engine2
  6. 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
0
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

10 reports
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 24, 2026Electrical system, Air bags, Service brakesODI 11726797

Air bags

3 reports
“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."”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 2, 2025Air bagsODI 11664281

Exterior lighting

3 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 20, 2025Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Unknown or otherODI 11662055
All 2013 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$2,600300
Cooper Clubman
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive
273430$2,600297
  • 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 2013 MINI Cooper Clubman as of Nov 7, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 7, 2026Vehicle 7415
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

2013 Cooper Clubman questions

How many recalls does the 2013 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 2013 MINI Cooper Clubman problems?

Owners filed 17 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (10), air bags (3), exterior lighting (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2013 MINI Cooper Clubman get?

The EPA rates the 2013 MINI Cooper Clubman at 30 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 7, 2026