Safety ratings
2012 Mini Cooper Clubman SW FWD
- Lane departure warningNo
- Forward collision warningNo
- Electronic stability controlStandard
Crash test videos & photos
No public crash-test footage is available for this vehicle.
Recalls (1)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEMCampaign 23V337000 · 11/05/2023
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.
Risk: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the sunroof drains, interior footwell area, and FRM and, depending upon the results of the inspection, certain components will be replaced. Owner notification letters were mailed May 13, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
Owner complaints
Most-reported areas
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM25
- AIR BAGS4
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER4
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM3
- ENGINE2
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING2
- POWER TRAIN1
- SEATS1
Read individual complaints (31 most recent)
These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.
- 12/04/2024· AIR BAGS
Mini BMW is fully aware of an issue with their OC3 detection mat on the passengers side and offered a extended warranty of 10 years/ 100k miles. This is insufficient coverage for a crucial saftey part and has led to a grey market production of occupancy detection mats "emulators" which are being sold online as the only way to have your airbag system "functional".
- 11/09/2023· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2012 Mini Cooper. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while attempting to drive the vehicle, the electrical system warning light illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.
- 11/06/2023· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2012 Mini Cooper. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- 10/04/2023· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2012 Mini Cooper. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. Additionally, the display screen was black. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- 09/18/2023· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2012 Mini Cooper. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up after several attempts. There was no warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed. The contact was informed that water had entered the vehicle from the front passenger’s side footwell, causing damages to the junction box electronics and the footwell module. The contact was also informed that the VIN was not covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 72,308.
- 08/22/2024· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I went to have my 2012 mini coopers footwell control module replaced because it was recalled. They did not replace it because they said they found no corrosion and then marked my vehicle as the recall being fixed. When I left the dealership my blinkers or highbeans would not turn on as well as my four way flashers either. And that is dangerous. When I got home I took the cover off the footwell control module and found corrosion on the plug for it. There was also 9 codes for that when I scanned the vehicle and now is trying to charge me for a recalled part that they did not replace!
- 08/22/2023· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2012 Mini Cooper. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- 08/10/2023· AIR BAGS
NHTSA recall 15V-205: OC3 Seat Occupancy Mat is missing other model years. my 2012 R56 was just diagnosed by a garage as having exactly this error. Why isn't NHTSA also recalling the other model years impacted by this safety issue? As the NHTSA must know, this safety issue is impacting many Mini Cooper model years, to the extent that a secondary market for bypass devices has emerged [XXX] ). Additionally, people have reported this safety issue to NHTSA since at least 2019 [XXX] and [XXX] ). Consider this communication as a formal report to the NHTSA of this instance of a safety issue and of the NHTSA inaction in face of this board and well-documented Mini Copper safety issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- 08/07/2023· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2012 Mini Cooper Clubman. The contact stated that the turn signals, exterior lighting, power windows, and power locks all failed to operate as needed. The check engine warning light was also illuminated. Months prior to the failure, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure was approximately 70,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The contact stated the car is not drivable, turn signals, hazards and windows inoperable. MINI/BMW informed the contact could receive the FCM update if she paid out of pocket for the update.
- 07/16/2026· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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)
- 06/22/2026· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
while driving i noticed that there was some malfunctions with the car electronics and down by the drivers footwell there was a burning smell coming from it (fcm) which had me to stop the vehicle and get it towed home and stopped me from driving the car because of a risk of fire
- 06/14/2022· UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The engine drive belt has been replaced twice. The ignition coils have been replaced twice.there have been recurrent problems with oil leaks beginning in 2016. The “water pipe” was replaced due to leak. The thermostat assembly was leaking and that was replaced. The front sway bar links and bushings were also replaced. This car has been nothing but trouble. Currently it needs a new catalytic converter due to an air leak in a section. I have repair bills for every incident. The date below is the date the oil control solenoid was replaced.
- 06/11/2024· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
We purchased this vehicle used. It is a 2012 Mini Cooper hardtop and was owned by several owners in the Canada, NY and NJ area before being brought to FL and ultimately sold to us. This defect has been known since May, 2023, yet BMW/Mini has done nothing to rectify the problem. The FRM module failed immediately after we got the car which rendered it undriveable because the power windows, power door locks, turn signals and key fob were inoperable. We called BMW/Mini about the vehicle being inoperable and unsafe to drive and were told to take it to a repair facility to get the module replaced, which we did. We had to tow it there because it was not safe to drive. We were told we would be reimbursed for the repairs, since this was in fact a documented safety recall #23V-337 Footwell Control Module-FRM. After paying $759.18 for the repairs, I submitted the invoice and the requested information to BMW/Mini just to have them deny my request for reimbursement because they say after an entire year since the notice that there is no remedy available. This is unacceptable!! I could not drive this car without having this module replaced and I am sure I'm not alone in this situation. BMW/Mini should reimburse me for the repairs they instructed me to get done. They point blank LIED to me by stating the repairs would be reimbursed due to this being a safety recall. This is going to turn into a class action lawsuit because BMW/Mini refuses to accept responsibility for their faulty vehicles! This will be just another lawsuit to add to their collection.
- 06/10/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WMWZG3C50CTY37438 Scan.pdf
- 06/03/2024· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2012 Mini Cooper Clubman. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that after receiving the recall notification, the contact allowed the vehicle to remain parked. The contact then went to start the vehicle and the vehicle failed to start. The contact believed the footwell module had drained the battery causing the battery to be replaced. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- 06/01/2023· ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFire
The car just randomly caught on fire while off in my driveway. Noticed a weird sound outside looked out and noticed the windshield wipers were going even though the car was off and I hadn't driven it. Opened the door to bellows of smoke coming out. fire department was called and had to rip it apart to get to the fire which was under the steering wheel in the left side
- 05/31/2023· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The footwell module failed due to corrosion. This is a known issue with these vehicles and is a fire hazard. Recall 23V-337 is active but is currently being limited to vehicles in certain northern states citing the use of road salt. This design issue is not limited to vehicles exposed to road salt. For example my vehicle has been exposed to years of salty, humid air as a result of being used on the coast of SC and GA. I request the recall be expanded to cover vehicles used in other states especially those exposed to coastal environments.
- 05/30/2023· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2012 Mini Cooper Clubman. The contact stated that while reversing into a parking space and depressing the brake pedal, the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. After restarting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the power windows, headlights, taillights, and the radio was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the electronic control module in the footwell. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 62,500.
- 05/25/2026· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
- 05/11/2024· POWER TRAIN
The clutch has been a problem. The clutch wears out prematurely, causing loss of acceleration, which caused loss of power trying to merge into freeway traffic, which nearly resulted in a collision with a semi. Looking up repair or replacement information, it appears this is a common problem that Mini has, some people were replacing the clutch 3 times before 50,000 miles, and also refusing to honor their warranty, claiming it’s the user fault. I got a quote from Mini Cooper in Tacoma, to replace the clutch, and I was quoted $3400. I paid $12,000 for my Mini Cooper. To change it myself is about impossible due to ‘special’ tools required. I think this is scam set up to get money. It is very unsafe to lose acceleration in places where it’s vital like freeway merging. If people cannot afford to get these these fixed then that’s another safety issue. I’m now stuck figuring out how to get this fixed. Please look into this.
- 04/30/2024· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2012 Mini Cooper. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that whenever it rained, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the power windows failed to function as needed. The contact stated that after turning off the vehicle and attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated that occasionally the battery would become drained and required the vehicle to be jumpstarted. The contact had spoken to a service manager at the local dealer; however, the contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- 03/25/2024· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2012 Mini Cooper. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- 03/02/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2012 mini cooper has a Footwell Module recall and I took it to the dealer and they refused to replace it but they said i could pay to have it replaced even though it was a recall
- 02/27/2024· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
started with lights not going off once i cut car off, then windshield wipers would come on it's on, then check engine warning lights, check fuel pump and check rear bulbs lights and several other warning lights would stay on, finally it got to it wouldn't crack until after three or four tries, then it started cutting off while driving, then I would have to wait for 30 min. or more, then it would crank back up. now it won't crack at all. I've been waiting on this recall since 5/12/23 recall #23V337. Please advise and Help!!
- 02/26/2024· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
i bought the car in august 2023 from carmax they were aware of recall , my car has no headlight, brake lights, door states open when not , windows do not roll down, cannot use alarm, will not lock, smells hot , i spoke with mini cooper and there is no remedy this is my only car i transport my grandchildren to and from school , i lost house due to a fire a yr ago , and lost everything , and see that a fire is at risk. mini cooper says nothing they can do because no remedy, carmax should not of sold this car with a recall .
- 02/05/2024· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2012 Mini Cooper. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- 02/04/2026· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
- 01/27/2021· AIR BAGS,SEATS
SEAT OCCUPANT SENSOR IS BAD. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE SAME THING ON OTHER YEARS AND MODELS, BUT NOT THE 2012 MINI COOPER COUNTRYMAN, WHICH MAKES VERY LITTLE SENSE BEING THAT ITS A COMMON PROBLEM AS WELL AS BEING THAT ITS THE SAME PROBLEM. THE AIRBAG SENSOR GOES ON AND OFF WHICH CAN CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION.
- 01/24/2025· AIR BAGS
Passenger side seat airbag sensor not working warning light and massages indicate airbag restraint issue.
- 01/19/2024· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My car is affected by this recall and I have no turn signals, dash lights, high beams, working windows, security system, or backup sensors. There are also codes thrown which prevents me from renewing my registration due to DEQ test failure. The dealership can’t do anything and BMW North America has done nothing to remedy things.
- 01/07/2024· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Rough car start & hiccups on commute to work after rain storm. Indicating multiple mis fires 300, 301, 302, 304,