Complaints over time
Complaints about the 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe peaked in 2024, with 2 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Model year
2012 Mini Cooper Coupe
Coupe, gasoline, built in United Kingdom. Owner complaints on file from Oct 11, 2012 to Feb 3, 2026.
Recall campaigns covering this model year0No recall campaign lists this model year
Owner complaints7Close to the median 2012 coupe
Severity index14.32012 coupes average 7.9
First 24 months1Complaints in its first two years
Components
43% of complaints about the 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe name engine and cooling
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls
No recall campaign lists the 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints
What owners reported about the 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
7 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.
- Filed Feb 3, 2026Failure Feb 3, 202455,000 milesCedar Creek, TXEngine and engine cooling
The contact owns a 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. While inspecting under the hood, the contact discovered that cylinder #4 coil was charred, melted, and smoking, and the ECU was damaged. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic, who determined that the failure was caused by an inoperable electronic auxiliary water pump. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V248000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 55,000.
NHTSA complaint 11715333 - Filed Oct 30, 2024Failure Oct 23, 2024Odessa, MOSeat belts
Seatbelt restraint has been inspected by a mechanic and a computer was connected for electronic fault codes. No codes were discovered, yet the car displaces a seatbelt restraint malfunction and request it be inspected at the nearest dealership. It also displays the seatbelt connection alert and sounds the alert buzzer. Mechanics find no issues or default codes I have personally inspected the components and had them replaced with not result
NHTSA complaint 11622789 - Filed Sep 16, 2024Failure Aug 18, 2024Fond du Lac, WIElectrical systemFire
On Sunday, [XXX] I drove my car 34 miles to [XXX] . I parked right around 9:30am. Around 3:30pm we were getting ready to leave the track and we noticed smoke coming from my car. A friend told me to pop the hood but when I reached down to pull the release the area was in flames. Safety teams and the fire department were able to get the fire out before it got completely out of control. The car was towed to the Mini dealer in Madison, WI and the insurance adjuster said it was an electrical defect not covered by insurance. As I did more checking on things, I found that my make and model car had a recall for the same issue, only in Canada. I really don't understand how it could be recalled there, but not here (especially in WI where the road/weather conditions are basically the same as in Canada). I now have a dead car with an estimate for $30K worth of work that the insurance company, nor Mini will do anything about. I have owned the car since it was brand new and have kept it in great condition, making sure to follow the service and maintenance schedules. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint 11614846 - Filed Jun 13, 2019Failure Mar 20, 2019Starke, FLEngine
IT'S SOMETHING GOING ON WITH THE ENGINE AND THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM AND WITH ALOT OF STUFF WITH THIS CAR I GET ONE THING FIX IN TWO MORE THINGS GO WRONG WITH IT JUST HAVING SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint 11219731 - Filed Feb 13, 2016Failure Feb 11, 201617,800 milesBakersfield, CAElectrical system, Electronic stability control (esc), Service brakes
TRACTION CONTROL AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS COME ON AT START UP AND DO NOT TURN OFF. PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT AT THIS TIME. DEALER REPORTS THAT IT IS THE SZL MODULE (STEERING ANGLE SENSOR) IS FAILING. BMW ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN ON THE 2006 5 AND 6 SERIES FOR THIS SAME SENSOR. READING THE MINI FORUMS THIS SEEMS TO BE A FAIRLY COMMON PROBLEM. CAR HAS 17,800 MILES
NHTSA complaint 10826020 - Filed Feb 4, 2015Failure Jan 23, 20122,000 milesDuluth, MNEngine
IN WEATHER BELOW ZERO F WHEN THE CAR IS LEFT OUTSIDE FOR OVER 8 HOURS THE ENGINE SOMETIMES STARTS IN "LIMP" MODE AND DOES NOT ALLOW FULL POWER UNTIL FULLY WARMED UP. THIS CAN TAKE OVER 10 MILES OF DRIVING, IDLING ALONE DOES NOT WARM UP THE ENGINE VERY QUICKLY IN BELOW ZERO WEATHER AND LIMP MODE. THE DANGER IS THAT LIMP MODE IS VERY LIMITED TO ENGINE POWER AND ONE BECOMES A HAZARD TO OTHERS WHEN SHARING THE ROAD. IN THE CLIMATE I LIVE IN THIS OCCURS A FEW TIMES A WINTER. THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT COME UP WITH A SOLUTION. MY 2007 MODEL WAS RETRO FITTED WITH A REVISED INTAKE AND THAT RESOLVED THE ISSUE, BUT NO SUCH FIX HAS BEEN OFFERED. *TR
NHTSA complaint 10681326 - Filed Oct 11, 2012Failure Aug 22, 20122,500 milesTHE Villages, FLAir bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MINI COOPER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS OCCUPIED BY A PASSENGER THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS IF THERE WERE NO PASSENGER PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A MECHANIC AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,000.
NHTSA complaint 10479761
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations
NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins
126 manufacturer communications cover this model year
Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.
- M010616 Mar 18, 2025 · Warranty Program/Extension
The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 186,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date. - M010616 Feb 21, 2025 · Warranty Program/Extension
The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 240,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date. - M610607 Oct 25, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
MINI electrical systems have continued to develop over the past few years. As a result, the demand on the batteries has increased. Breakdowns due to an empty battery or problems in the vehicles electrical system can have various causes, most of which are … - SIM010116 Mar 1, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
N18 engine high pressure fuel pump (hdp): limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles - M360119 Dec 1, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
New RDC wheel electronics will be introduced with future generation MINI models. The new wheel electronics are identified as Huf Generation 5. These new wheel electronics will need to be programmed using the new tool when replaced or when depressurized (0 p… - M011116 Aug 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
OC3 SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT - LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES: Component-Specific Limited Warranty Extension For the above-referenced vehicles, MINI USA, a division of BMW of North America, LLC (MINI USA) is extending the limited warranty fo… - M010419 Jan 1, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: N14 HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP (HDP) SERVICE BENEFIT CLASS VEHICLES: The MINI vehicle may experience a sudden engine operational failure reduced or loss of power while driving and the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) may be illuminated… - M640108 Jul 12, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Air Conditioning System Leak Testing. The customer complains of poor or no air conditioning cooling. After further diagnosis, the system is found to be low or empty of a refrigerant charge, but when using an electronic leak detector, no leak can be found. … - M170912 Jul 12, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
"Service Action: Retrofit of the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor. Internal corrosion could form in the engine coolant temperature sensor. This corrosion leads to internal bridging of the contacts, which can cause an inaccurate engine temperature reading. … - M010218 Apr 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
N18 THERMOSTAT WITH THERMOSTAT HOUSING: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/ This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI M01 02 18 dated May 2018. - M010218 Apr 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
N18 THERMOSTAT WITH THERMOSTAT HOUSING: LIMITED WARRANTYEXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/ This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI M01 02 18 dated May 2018. - M010817 Mar 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
N16 ENGINE IGNITION COILS: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120000 MILES This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI M01 08 17 dated February 2018. - M011116 Jan 1, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
OC3 SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120. - M230108 Nov 1, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
"MANUAL TRANSMISSION - STIFF DIAGONAL GEARSHIFT LEVER MOVEMENT. The customer may complain of a ""stiff diagonal shift"" (e.g., N-R, R-N, 2-3/3-2 or 4-5/5-4). Also, in some cases, gears cannot be selected, or the selector gear does not go into the neutral po… - M340313 Apr 1, 2015 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Brake Fluid Maintenance Service: 36-Month Interval. The CBS displays the first brake fluid service as a 36-month interval from the date of production, instead of the appropriate 24-month interval. Only vehicles within the specified production range can be s… - M840114 May 1, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Bluetooth Connection Failures This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI M84 01 14 dated February 2016.. There are various connectivity failures with the following devices: Apple iPhones Samsung S6 and the S6 Edge. Connectivity failure examples are: Ca… - M630116 May 1, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Delay in Automatic Driving Light Switching on/off. When driving out of a tunnel or exiting underground parking, the automatic driving light remains switched on for two minutes. Shut-off period varies based on detected situation. This is normal operational b… - M120115 May 1, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Engine Misfire Due to Failed Ignition Coil This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI M12 01 15 dated March 2016.. The Check Engine or Service Engine Soon (MIL) lamp is on with misfire fault(s) stored in the DME. Intermittent performance or rough runni… - M010116 Mar 1, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
"N18 Engine High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HDP): Limited Warranty Extension to 10 Years/120,000 Miles. For the above-referenced vehicles, MINI USA, a division of BMW of North America, LLC (""MINI USA"") is extending the limited warranty for the engine's High-Pres… - M840114 Feb 1, 2016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI M84 01 14 dated November 2014. SUBJECT Bluetooth Connection Failures. There are various connectivity failures with the following devices: z Apple iPhones z Samsung S6 and the S6 Edge. Connectivity failure exa… - M011116 Jan 1, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
?OC3 SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES. This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 01 11 16 dated December 2016. - M170612 Dec 1, 2012 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
"Service Action: Retrofit of the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor. Internal corrosion could form in the engine coolant temperature sensor. This corrosion leads to internal bridging of the contacts, which can cause an inaccurate engine temperature reading. … - M610607 Oct 1, 2012 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
"Discharged Battery: Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed. MINI electrical systems and advancements in vehicle technology have resulted in an increased demand on the vehicle battery. This SI will help the dealer handle ""discharged battery"" complaints. A dis… - M510812 Oct 1, 2012 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Rattling Noise from the Tailgate. A rattling noise may be heard from the tailgate area when driving on rough roads. CAUSE The felt strip on the lower bump stop is either mis-shaped or missing. - M170812 Oct 1, 2012 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
"Service Action: Retrofit of the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor. Internal corrosion could form in the engine coolant temperature sensor. This corrosion leads to internal bridging of the contacts, which can cause an inaccurate engine temperature reading. … - M170712 Oct 1, 2012 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
"Service Action: Retrofit of the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor. Internal corrosion could form in the engine coolant temperature sensor. This corrosion leads to internal bridging of the contacts, which can cause an inaccurate engine temperature reading. … - M170612 Oct 1, 2012 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
"Service Action: Retrofit of the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor. Internal corrosion could form in the engine coolant temperature sensor. This corrosion leads to internal bridging of the contacts, which can cause an inaccurate engine temperature reading. … - M110612 Oct 1, 2012 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
During Engine Oil Service a Small O-Ring Is Found in the Oil Filter Housing. No customer complaint has been received. During the scheduled engine oil service, the technician notices a black rubber o-ring lying on the bottom of the engine oil filter housing.… - M520213 Oct 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Squeaking Noise from Front Seat. A noise may be heard from the front driver's seat back when the customer applies sideways pressure during cornering. CAUSE Surface corrosion on the metal seat back frame can make a squeaking noise when rubbing against the fo… - M510613 Oct 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Bonnet Lock Difficult to Open or Close. The bonnet lock fails to operate correctly and is difficult to open or close. CAUSE Corrosion in the bonnet lock assembly - M340113 Oct 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
"Erroneous ""Service due"" Message Though Brake Lining Thickness Sufficient. The CBS data calculated for the remaining distance of the front and/or rear brake pads does not agree with the actual brake pad thickness. The yellow brake lining service due indic… - M330112 Oct 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Adjusting Rear Camber. Rear camber cannot be adjusted properly. CAUSE Repair instructions not followed properly - M620113 Jul 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Intermittent Humming or Buzzing Noise from Speedometer. When the vehicle is decelerating, an intermittent humming or buzzing noise coming from the instrument cluster may be heard when the speedometer needle is between 0 and 12 mph. Hardware error in the in… - M840213 Aug 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Incorrect Customer Relations Telephone Number Is Saved in the Vehicle. The customer is not connected to MINI Customer Relations after dialing the number displayed in the vehicle Kombi or radio. CAUSE During the Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI), the incorrect t… - M340313 Aug 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Brake Fluid Maintenance Service: 36-Month Interval. The CBS displays the first brake fluid service as a 36-month interval from the date of production, instead of the appropriate 24-month interval. - M130113 Aug 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
"N14 and N18 Engine: High-pressure Pump Repair Instruction. INFORMATION The current version of ISTA/D Repair Instruction 13 51 017, ""Removing and installing or replacing high-pressure pump (N14, N18)"" has a procedure error. The current version of the Repa… - M120313 Aug 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
?N18 Engine: FC 2BF2 Rail Pressure Sensor Is Stored in DME Fault Memory. The customer states that the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated and the following fault is stored in the DME: FC 2BF2 Rail pressure sensor, workspace: pressure too high CAUSE A DM… - M340113 Nov 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
"?SI M34 01 13 November 2013 BrakesTechnical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI 34 01 13 dated October 2013. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT Erroneous ""Service due"" Message Though Brake Lining Thickness Sufficient. The CB… - M120113 Nov 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
N16 Engine: FC 2D9B Knock Sensor, Signal Is Stored in the DME. Certain areas of the US experience extremely cold climate conditions during the winter months, which can cause the Service Engine Soon lamp to illuminate while the engine temperature is increasi… - M650313 Mar 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Basic SVS: Voice Recognition Inoperative After Programming. After programming the vehicle with ISTA/P 2.48.x, the voice recognition (Basic SVS) is inoperative. NOTE: The Basic SVS only includes voice recognition for phone functions. Error in the coding dat… - M650213 Mar 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
"CHAMP2: Stored Radio Stations Deleted After Ignition Off. After ignition off, the stored radio stations (AM/FM and Satellite radio) are no longer available in: * Menu ""PRESETS"" * Preset buttons on the head unit Hardware error in the CHAMP2 head unit" - M510213 Mar 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Active Rear Spoiler Does Not Retract. Loose wiring connector at rear spoiler drive motor - M210113 Mar 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Clutch Is Slipping or Grabbing. The customer states that the clutch is slipping or grabbing. - M650213 Jun 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
"HAMP2: Stored Radio Stations Deleted After Ignition Off. After ignition off, the stored radio stations (AM/FM and Satellite radio) are no longer available in: * Menu ""PRESETS"" * Preset buttons on the head unit Hardware error in the CHAMP2 head unit" - M170213 Jun 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
"PERFORM THE PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THIS SERVICE INFORMATION ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES BEFORE CUSTOMER DELIVERY OR THE NEXT TIME THEY ARE IN THE SHOP FOR MAINTENANCE OR REPAIRS. SUBJECT Service Action: Retrofit of Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor. Internal c… - M110112 Jun 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
The customer states that a small engine oil leak can be seen from the underside of the engine. CAUSE The internal sealing of the oil pump volume control solenoid valve is compromised, allowing engine oil to leak from the oil pump volume control solenoid. - M340313 Jul 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Brake Fluid Maintenance Service: 36-Month Interval. The coding in these vehicles has the CBS displaying the first brake fluid service as a 36-month interval from the date of production, instead of the appropriate 24-month interval. - M610607 May 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
"Discharged Battery: Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed. MINI electrical systems and advancements in vehicle technology have resulted in an increased demand on the vehicle battery. This SI will help the dealer handle ""discharged battery"" complaints. A dis… - M120612 May 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Change in Thermostat Electrical Connector on Replacement Engine Harness. Vehicles produced from 3/2013 are no longer equipped with an engine coolant thermostat that incorporates the engine coolant temperature sensor (thermostat P/N 11 53 7 647 751). The eng… - M110309 May 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Whistling Noise from the Water Pump Area. A whistling or squealing noise is heard from the engine at idle and/or at higher engine speeds. CAUSE 1. Noise is caused by the water pump. 2. Noise is caused by the friction wheel of the belt tensioner. - M840113 Apr 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Telephone: Phonebook Does Not Transfer to the Vehicle. The telephone book does not transfer to the vehicle after the pairing process is completed. CAUSE Software error in the head unit - M320213 Apr 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Service Action: Retrofit John Cooper Works Steering Wheel Gearshift Paddles. A number of these vehicles were inadvertently produced without the standard gearshift paddles. Vehicle option ordering error - M120212 Apr 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
SI M12 02 12 Engine Electrical Systems April 2013 Technical Service . After reprogramming the vehicle to integration level R056-11-11-503 (ISTA/P P45.1.3.0) or higher, one of the following fault codes are stored in the DME fault memory: Vehicles with N16 en… - M110113 Apr 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Service Action: Replace the Coolant Pump. Coolant is leaking from the coolant pump. CAUSE The coolant pump may develop cracks in the plastic housing. These cracks may result in a coolant leak. - M110112 Apr 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Engine Oil Leak. The customer states that a small engine oil leak can be seen from the underside of the engine. CAUSE The internal sealing of the oil pump volume control solenoid valve is compromised, allowing engine oil to leak from the oil pump volume con… - M840113 Feb 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Telephone: Phonebook Does Not Transfer to the Vehicle. The telephone book does not transfer to the vehicle after the pairing process is completed. CAUSE Software error in the head unit - M650113 Feb 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
CHAMP2: Integrated Cooling Fan Is Noisy Intermittently. INFORMATION Do not replace parts and do not perform a repair attempt! Explain to the customer that this only happens at high ambient temperatures, which keep the fan running after the ignition is turne… - M120113 Feb 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
"N16 Engine: FC 2D9B Knock Sensor, Signal Is Stored in the DME. Certain areas of the US experience extremely cold climate conditions during the winter months, which can cause the Service Engine Soon lamp to illuminate while the engine temperature is increas… - M011014 Oct 1, 2014 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
MINI Motorer-Focused Satisfaction (MFS) Program. Based on Motorer feedback, MINI has determined that during the first three years of service, some vehicles may require specific additional service work to be performed. MINI USA, a division of BMW of North Am… - M340113 Jan 1, 2013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
Erroneous "Service due" Message Though Brake Lining Thickness Sufficient. The CBS data calculated for the remaining distance of the front and/or rear brake pads does not agree with the actual brake pad thickness. The yellow brake lining service due indicato…
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.