2012 Mini Cooper roadster problems
The Mini Coupé and Mini Roadster are two-seater sports cars that were engineered and manufactured by German automaker BMW under the Mini marque between 2011 and 2015.
The hardtop Coupé was unveiled in June 2011 and formally launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2011. Production was shown in the 2011 documentary Megafactories. It is the first two-seater Mini. It was joined by a convertible version called Mini Roadster in 2012, following its showing as a concept car in 2009. The Coupé is known by the internal code R58 and the Roadster by code R59.
In February 2015 Mini announced the end of production for both models.
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Common 2012 Mini Cooper roadster problems
The MINI Cooper Roadster, produced between 2012 and 2015, is known for its comfort, sporty design, and convertible top.
One common issue is the engine diagnostic light not turning off. This could be due to various engine problems, and it is essential to have the vehicle checked by a professional to diagnose and fix the issue.
Another problem reported by owners is engine failure. This can be a serious issue and may require significant repairs or replacement of the engine. Regular maintenance and checks can help prevent engine failure, but it is still a possibility with the MINI Cooper Roadster.
Oil changes or oil dripping from the car is also a common problem with the MINI Cooper Roadster. This can be caused by various issues, such as leaks in the oil system or a faulty oil filter. Regular maintenance and checks can help prevent oil leaks and ensure that the engine is running smoothly.
In addition to these common problems, there have been reports of low pressure in the fuel pump of the 1.6 petrol engine, leading to low pressure in the oil pump and starving the timing chain of oil on start-up. This can lead to stretching of the timing chain and potentially dangerous problems on the road. There have also been reports of oil leaks from the timing chain tensioner.
MINI's parent company, BMW, has said that technicians might find an O-ring in the oil filter housing when changing the oil, which is dislodged from the oil filter non-return valve inside the engine because it's too small. This issue can be fixed by replacing the oil filter non-return valve with a larger one.
Despite these common problems, the MINI Cooper Roadster has received positive reviews from owners, with 100% of people recommending it to a friend and giving it a five out of five rating overall. However, it is essential to be aware of these common issues and to maintain the vehicle regularly to prevent them from becoming serious problems.
What is the most common problem with Mini Cooper?
Issue #1: Engine Overheating in Mini Cooper S (2007-2010)
Oil cooler leaks have also been reported on some vehicles. These problems cause the engine to gradually overheat, leading to coolant loss and severe damage if left unchecked. Head gasket failure is a common result of the engine overheating in the R56 Cooper S.
Why was the Mini Roadster discontinued?
Product positioning for both, however, was problematic. Mini tried to position the convertible as the return of the British roadster, but it wasn't exactly that. And the Coupe was just, uh, different. Through 2014, worldwide sales amounted to only 27,350 for the Coupe and 28,867 for the Roadster.
Which year MINI Coopers is most reliable?
The most reliable Minis are those that have been produced from 2015 up to 2021. However, if you go by consumer reports, the best used Mini Coopers are those made between 2018 and 2021. The price of a used Mini Cooper depends on the model, make, year, and mileage of the vehicle.
What are the disadvantages of Mini Cooper?
Mini Cooper Cons
- The car can be expensive because it uses premium fuel. ...
- The engine runs quietly when you are gentle with the driving. ...
- Mini dealerships are quite hard to find. ...
- Well, it may not be a downside but you have to admit that Cooper is a small car.
2012 Mini Cooper roadster car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mini Cooper roadster problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Engine problems
- Air bags problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Exterior lighting problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2012 Mini Cooper roadster vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2012 Mini Cooper roadster
The NHTSA has received 62 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2012 Mini Cooper roadster. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2012 Mini Cooper roadster vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-16
- VIN: WMWSU3C50CT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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!
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-09
- VIN: WMWSU3C5XCT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-01
- VIN: WMWZP3C58CT
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-09
- VIN: WMWSU3C57CT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-12
- VIN: WMWSU3C51CT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-09
- VIN: WMWSU3C56CT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: 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!!
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-23
- VIN: WMWSV3C5XCT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: 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 .
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-05
- VIN: WMWSU3C59CT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-01
- VIN: WMWSV3C53CT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-18
- VIN: WMWSU3C50CT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-06
- VIN: WMWSU3C52CT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-20
- VIN: WMWSV3C57CT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-01
- VIN: WMWSU3C54CT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-21
- VIN: WMWSU3C57CT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-07
- VIN: WMWSU3C57CT
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-31
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WMWSU3C56CT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-05-02
- VIN: WMWSU3C53CT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Footwell module is not working due to rear left blinker is not signaling only the front light does work when turning left.
SEATS,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-01-10
- VIN: WMWSV3C54CT
- Components: SEATS,AIR BAGS
- Summary: Passenger side airbag light on with no one in seat, had it checked, the repair shop stated that there is a seat sensor fault, the code is 93c3(passenger seat occupancy detector). I have done some research on this and it seems that this a common problem, but there hasn't been any recalls by Mini, and if there is an accident the airbag may not deploy. I was told to by the dealer that it will cost $2300 for parts and labor.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-03-02
- VIN: WMWSV3C58CT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The failed component is the "Footwell Relay Module" (FRM) which enables communication between the instrument panel in the passenger compartment and the engine control components in the engine compartment. When this component fails the following essential controls become inoperable: emergency flashers, turn signals, door locks, and windows. Most other "convenience features controlled by the car instrument panel become inoperable as well. This problem was confirmed by an independent technician, a technician at Mini of Stevens Creek in San Jose, CA, and the owner. No inspections of the part were ever done and the FRM failed without warning. This is a common failure in Minis due to a faulty design. The part is insufficiently protected from inrush current surge when a fully-charged battery is reconnected following service. It is also not sufficiently protected from induced voltage surges from EMI such as C, K or Ka band radar or electrical storms. One or more integrated circuits in the part are destroyed when exposed to current or voltage spikes rendering the part inoperable. The cost to replace the FRM (parts & labor) exceeds $1000.
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-07-01
- VIN: WMWSU3C58CT
- Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: This car was maintained, by Mini and BMW authorized mechanics and only had OEM parts installed and followed management of vehicle as directed by manufacturer, throughout its history. It was always driven and kept in moderate weather conditions, no extreme heat, cold, wet, or speeds. Used almost daily for 30-60 minute commutes. Just after 100K miles, total engine failure was suddenly experienced on the freeway, due to combustion in two valves, damaging two cylinders and sudden leaking of the exhaust system under the hood. The manufacturer, BWM, has been shown evidence of malfunctioning of the four cylinder engine and will not show evidence of their grounds for why they will not take responsibility.
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-09-08
- VIN: WMWSU3C50CT
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: MINI COOPER BASE MODEL WITH 90K MILES HAS SEAT BELT AND AIR BAG WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. WARNING LIGHTS STARTED INTERMITTENTLY GOING ON AND OFF AND NOW STAY ILLUMINATED CONTINOUSLY WHEN IGNITION IS ON. NO VEHICLE ACCIDENTS OR INCIDENTS TO CAUSE THIS PROBLEM.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-08-25
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WMWSV3C54CT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
- Summary: BOUGHT MINI FROM CARVANA A JANUARY 2020 AND HAVE HAD TOO MANY PROBLEMS. CAR OVERHEATED ON 48, HAD 2 NEW CYLINDERS PUT IN, 2 WEEKS LATER, DUE TO MANY NOTABLE PROBLEMS THIS CAR HAS HAD, ALL COOLANT LEAKED OUT AND WAS QUOTED BY MINI DEALERSHIP $9,000 TO FIX A PROBLEM THAT WAS CAUSED BY A RECALL NOT LISTED FOR MY YEAR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-09-01
- VIN: WMWSU3C53CT
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WARNING SAFETY LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON WHEN NO-ONE OR SOMEONE IS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT WITH AND WITHOUT THEIR SEATBELT FASTENED. I SEARCHED ONLINE REGARDING THIS AND FOUND SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE. SINCE THIS IS POTENTIALLY A SAFETY HAZARD TO A PASSENGER IT MUST BE RECALLED SINCE MULTIPLE MINI COOPERS ARE EXPERIENCING THIS ERROR.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-12-23
- VIN: WMWSU3C52CT
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: MY MOTHER WHO OWNS THIS 2012 MINI COOPER HAS SUDDENLY NOW STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH HER WATER PUMP LEAKING. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TREATED WITH THIS RUDE EMPLOYEE BY CHRISTOPHER GUZMAN WHOM HAD A VERY UNPROFESSIONAL AND NO EMPATHY. VERY SHORT WITH RESPONSES AND SARCASM.KEEP IN MIND MY MOTHER IS ELDERLY AND KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT CARS. SO I LOG INTO TO YOUR SITE AND SEE THERE IS A RECALL ON WATER PUMPS BUT MY MOTHER'S IS NOT ONE OF THEM. AND GUESS WHAT HER WARRANTY JUST EXPIRED MARCH 2019. GO FIGURE. SO IF SOMETHING WOULD HAVE HAPPENED TO MY MOTHER BECAUSE OF DEFECTIVE WATER PUMP. AND HOW FUNNY HOW MY MOMS CAR WAS NOT A RECALL. I WOULD QUALIFY FOR THAT ACTION LAWSUIT. HOW DOES A 2012 WATER PUMP JUST GIVE UP WITH VERY LOW MILEAGE 24 000 I WOULD LIKE TO ESCALATE THIS FURTHER AND AN EXPLANATION HOW THIS COULD HAVE HAPPENED!! LOOK AT THE MILAGE!
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-04-01
- VIN: WMWSU3C52CT
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: MY DRIVER SIDE BRAKE LIGHT KEEPS MELTING. THE PLASTIC THE THE LIGHT BUILD SCREWS INTO IS ACTUALLY MELTING T THE BRAKE LIGHT BULB. I'VE PAID MINI TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE AND THE SAME ISSUES HAS SURFACED. THE DRIVER'S SIDE BRAKE LIGHT DOES NOT WORK AT ALL.
Negative 2012 Mini Cooper roadster car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2012 Mini Cooper roadster problems:
The MINI Cooper Roadster Years to Avoid - CoPilot
Jul 11, 2023 ... Getjerry.com indicates that the most common problems with this vehicle include transmission issues, clutch damage, and so on. Usually, you ...
2012 MINI Roadster Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2012 MINI Roadster? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
Mini Cooper S Roadster issues | MINI Cooper Forum
Jul 15, 2019 ... As a relatively new owner of a roadster there are a couple of issues that I'd like to get advice on. 1. When I drive with the roof down and ...
Used Mini Roadster - 2012-2015 Reliability & Common Problems ...
Jan 18, 2018 ... There have been reports of low pressure in the fuel pump of the 1.6 petrol engine leading to low pressure in the oil pump, starving the timing ...
R59 R59 known issues - North American Motoring
Nov 19, 2015 ... R59 :: Roadster Talk (2012+) - R59 known issues - Hi all, figured I would start an issue thread to better track any issues with the R59.
Luther Walter 2024-06-03
Congratulations on your purchase of a used 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster Base model with auto transmission about a year ago! It's great to hear that this car is your first convertible and that it has been more fun than any other car you have owned in the past 40 years. It's wonderful that you are constantly looking for an excuse to drive it and that you receive favorable comments from strangers about the car all the time. It's also impressive that you have not had any mechanical issues at all, even though the car has 17k miles on it. I'm glad to hear that you were able to address the issue of the car riding too rough for your taste by switching to Koni FSD struts and non-run flat tires. It's clear that you have a great appreciation for this car, and I can understand why you have no idea what car you could ever buy to replace it. Even your Nissan 370Z seemed boring in comparison! Thank you for sharing your experience with us.