Research · Subcompact Cars
2013 MINI Cooper S ClubmanRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 13 owner complaints for the 2013 MINI Cooper S Clubman. Most complaints involve electrical system (7) and exterior lighting (3). The EPA rates it 29 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
29mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
13
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,650est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2013 MINI Cooper S Clubman as of Nov 7, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 7, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
13 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2014 – Mar 2026
- Electrical system7
- Exterior lighting3
- Air bags2
- Service brakes2
- Engine2
- Other / unknown3
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 7, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Electrical system
7 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…”
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.”
Air bags
2 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."”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 7, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Subcompact Cars
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
- 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
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooper S Clubman Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 34 | 29 | $2,650 | 314 |
| Cooper S Clubman Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 34 | 29 | $2,650 | 305 |
- 29mpg comb.
- 29mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2013 MINI Cooper S Clubman as of Nov 7, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 7, 2026Vehicle 7416
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat 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.
2013 Cooper S Clubman questions
How many recalls does the 2013 MINI Cooper S Clubman have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 7, 2026.
What are the most common 2013 MINI Cooper S Clubman problems?
Owners filed 13 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (7), exterior lighting (3), air bags (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2013 MINI Cooper S Clubman get?
The EPA rates the 2013 MINI Cooper S Clubman at 29 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 7, 2026