repaired · 2026 Q1
Electrical system
Risk. An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
2012 MINI CooperProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 66 owner complaints about the 2012 MINI Cooper, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 23V-337 the manufacturer reports only 19% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 16, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 MINI Cooper has problems
66 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
28Electrical system5 crash/fire/injury
17Engine6 crash/fire/injury
12Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
5Exterior lighting
4Seats
4Fuel/propulsion system
3Service brakes
3Power train
2Seat belts
88 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 28 | 5 |
| Engine | 17 | 6 |
| Air bags | 12 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 5 | 0 |
| Seats | 4 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 4 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 0 |
| Power train | 3 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 2 | 0 |
| 8 other systems | 8 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2012 MINI Cooper recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with MINI.
Best & worst years
2012 vs. every other Cooper year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Cooper median. How we score
'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What Cooper owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
ELECTRIC SHORT CIRCUIT. The electronic module in the driver side footwell area may short circuit. when I unlock the car or try to start, I hear loud electrical SHORT CIRCUIT noises coming out of the seating area. I am afraid to even unlock the car, and fear car might catch fire.
The electronic control module in the driver’s side footwell short-circuit, battery and electrical in the car are being drained and car does not work properly and completely drains battery.
Own a 2012 Cooper?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.