Research · Two Seaters
2012 MINI Cooper S RoadsterRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 23 owner complaints for the 2012 MINI Cooper S Roadster. Most complaints involve electrical system (13) and engine (4). The EPA rates it 28–30 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
28–30mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
23
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 2012 MINI Cooper S Roadster as of Oct 29, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
23 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jul 2014 – Jun 2025
- Electrical system13
- Engine4
- Fuel/propulsion system3
- Structure2
- Fuel system, gasoline1
- Air bags1
- Seat belts1
- Vehicle speed control1
- Exterior lighting1
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 Oct 29, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Electrical system
13 reports1 fire
“My vehicle has an outstanding recall (NHTSA Recall #23V337) from over a year and a half ago. There is still no update on when this will be remedied. The recall states there is potential for a "thermal event", which to me is a fancy way of saying fire. For an incident where my vehicle can catch fire, I expect a bit quicker of a response from BMW/Mini.”
Engine
4 reports
“The contact owns a 2012 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 40 MPH, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that the fuel pump was defective, and the fuel pump was replaced. The contact stated that approximately a year later the failure recurred, and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer and was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump had failed again and needed to be replaced. The fuel pump was replaced under warranty; however, the failure recently returned a third time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.”
Fuel/propulsion system
3 reports
“I LOVE MY MINI COOPER S. BUT THERE IS A ISSUE. TODAY I STARTED UP THE CAR AND IT STARTS SMOKING. TWICE THIS HAS HAPPENED IN TWO WEEKS. WHEN I BOUGHT IT 2 YEARS AGO I NOTICED ON THE INSIDE OF MY HOOD OF THE CAR IT'S A BLACK BURNT MARK. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE PROBLEM HAD BEEN FIXED. LAST WEEK I TOOK IT TO A OIL SHOP AND THEY SAID MY TURBO IS BURNING MY CAR AND WOULD CATCH FIRE SOON. I'M IN THE PROCESS OF GETTING A NEW TURBO BUT THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM CAUSE NOW IT'S SMOKING ONLY WHEN IN IDLE OR STARTED UP.BUT THE HOOD IS SUPER HOT AFTER A SHORT DRIVE. I HOPE YOUR CREW CAN LOOK INTO THIS PART AND SAVE SOMEONE THE TERROR OF A CAR ON FIRE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Two Seaters
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Manual 6-spd · Automatic (S6)
- 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 Oct 29, 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 Roadster Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 34 | 30 | $2,650 | 296 |
| Cooper S Roadster Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 33 | 28 | $2,850 | 317 |
- 30mpg comb.
- 28mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 29, 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 2012 MINI Cooper S Roadster as of Oct 29, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 29, 2026Vehicle 6072
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.
2012 Cooper S Roadster questions
How many recalls does the 2012 MINI Cooper S Roadster have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 29, 2026.
What are the most common 2012 MINI Cooper S Roadster problems?
Owners filed 23 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (13), engine (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 S Roadster get?
The EPA rates the 2012 MINI Cooper S Roadster at 28–30 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 29, 2026