2012 Mini Cooper s problems

General information about Mini-Cooper s
Overview of popular issues
Recalls list

The Mini (stylised as MINI) supermini range, marketed under various names such as Mini Cooper, Mini Hatch, Mini Hardtop, Mini One, and Mini John Cooper Works, are a family of retro-styled three-door hatchback, two-door convertible, and five-door hatchback (since 2014). The range was introduced in July 2001, following the acquisition of the Mini brand by German automaker BMW.

BMW first unveiled the Mini hatch concept car at the 1997 Frankfurt International Motor Show, when the Mini brand was still part of the BMW-owned Rover Group. Developed as a successor to the original Mini, the styling of the concept car was well received by the public and further developed. The new Mini range was launched by BMW in 2001, one year after their sale of the Rover Group in March 2000, and the classic Mini's discontinuation that same year. Under BMW ownership, the brand later grew its line-up by adding larger models such as the Clubman in 2007, the Countryman in 2010, the Paceman in 2012, and the Aceman in 2024.

The second generation was launched in 2006 and the third, adding a longer 4/5-door hatchback, in 2014. A two-door convertible version was added in 2004, followed by its second generation in 2008. With the launch of the fourth generation in 2024, the Mini Hatch has been renamed to Mini Cooper.

BMW also developed several battery electric versions of the Mini, starting with the Mini E in 2009 developed only for field trials, followed by the mass-produced Mini Electric in 2019, and succeeded by the Mini Cooper E/SE in 2023 which uses a dedicated electric vehicle platform.

Mini models under BMW ownership are produced in Cowley, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom at Plant Oxford. Between July 2014 and February 2024, 3-door production was shared with VDL Nedcar in Born, Netherlands. The Mini convertible was only assembled in the Netherlands between 2015 and 2024. From 2024, all next generation combustion engined Mini hatch and convertible production will be centred at Oxford. Since late 2023, the electric Mini Cooper is developed and produced in China at the Spotlight Automotive joint venture facility in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu.

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Common 2012 Mini Cooper s problems

The 2012 Mini Cooper S has been reported to have several common problems by its owners. These issues include engine, electrical, and transmission problems, as well as concerns about the car's fuel system and emissions.

One of the most frequently reported engine problems is a failure of the timing chain tensioner, particularly in the Mini Cooper S with the N14 engine. This issue can cause a rattle at idle and make the engine perform jerkily. If the timing chain tensioner fails, it can lead to serious engine damage, requiring replacement of the timing chain and tensioner with upgraded items.

Another engine issue is with the turbocharger wastegate system. If this system fails, it can cause the engine to run roughly, and there will be a warning light on the dashboard. The solution is to take apart the system to find out which component is at fault and replace it.

The fuel system and emissions are also a concern for the 2012 Mini Cooper S. The high-pressure fuel pump is known to be delicate and can fail. Additionally, sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, and problems filling up the tank have been reported.

The car's transmission has also been reported to have issues. The Mini gearbox is a source of a common fault, where the selector shaft can become corroded and gradually seize up, rendering the gearshift inoperative.

Electrical problems have also been reported, such as a failure of the ignition coils, which can take out the ECU, requiring rebuild or repair of the entire ECU unit.

In addition to these issues, the 2012 Mini Cooper S has been reported to have problems with its fuel system and emissions, including sensors, emission-control devices, fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, and problems filling up the tank.

Overall, the 2012 Mini Cooper S has been reported to have several common problems, including engine, electrical, and transmission issues, as well as concerns about the car's fuel system and emissions. These problems can be costly and frustrating for owners, and it is essential to be aware of them before purchasing this car.

Are 2012 Mini Coopers reliable?

While the 2012 Cooper S has the N18 motor and is more reliable than previous years it still isn't great. The car is fun to drive without a doubt, but as you start climbing the mileage stuff starts really breaking. The only people who work on it are specialty shops or Mini themselves which will cost you a fortune.

What is the most common problem with mini coopers?

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.

How many miles will a 2012 Mini Cooper S last?

How Long Do MINI Coopers Last? The MINI Cooper is the type of car that's designed to last a long time. A MINI Cooper that's well cared for can last anywhere between 75 thousand miles to 150 thousand miles. Depending on how much you drive the car, it can last a long time.

Is the Mini Cooper S reliable car?

MINI Coopers are, for the most part, reliable vehicles. However, they do suffer from a high frequency of costly repairs, primarily due to the heritage of the powerplant nestled beneath the bug-eyed hood.

2012 Mini Cooper s complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2012 Mini Cooper s.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2012 Mini Cooper s recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2012 Mini Cooper s.

2023-05-11

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: 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.
Consequence: An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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.

2018-04-18

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.
Consequence: If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning June 11, 2018, and will receive a second notification when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at BMW 1-800-525-7417, MINI at 1-866-825-1525, or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Note: BMW recommends that owners park their vehicle outdoors until the recall remedy has been performed.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2012 Mini Cooper s problems:

I'm thinking about buying a used 2012 Mini Cooper hatchback type ...

https://www.reddit.com/r/MINI/comments/z8wwv6/im_thinking_about_buying_a_used_2012_mini_cooper/

Nov 30, 2022 ... ... in the nearly 2 years I had her, I spent around $4k on maintenance. By the end, she had transmission problems, an oil leak, and potentially ...

Mini Mk2 (R56) common problems (2006-2013) | Haynes Publishing

https://haynes.com/en-gb/tips-tutorials/mini-mk2-r56-common-problems-2006-2013

This has a known issue with the timing chain tensioner. Another engine issue with the Mini concerns the turbocharger wastegate vacuum valve, which can fail and ...

2012 Mini Cooper Problems and Complaints - 5 Issues

https://repairpal.com/2012-mini-cooper/problems

Top 2012 Mini Cooper Problems · Clutch May Wear Prematurely. 170 people have reported this · Electric Door Locks May Malfunction. 163 people have reported this.

N18 Engine Important Maintenance Items and Common Issues ...

https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/2nd-gen-faqs/325329-n18-engine-important-maintenance-items-and-common-issues.html

Mar 20, 2018 ... But there are a couple of common problems: 1) Thermostat leaks and sensor: Mostly on 2011 - 2012 model years, common to see thermostat and ...