Mini Clubman Problems by Year

We compared every Mini Clubman model year from 2012–2019 using 75 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 3 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 2017 and 2016, which drew far more complaints than other Clubman years at the same age. The best years are 2012, 2014 and 2013.

6model years
75complaints
3recalls
2017, 2016worst years
2012, 2014best years

Complaints by model year

2012201320142016201720191013518236
Owner complaints per model year, Mini Clubman. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
201962.0×1AirbagAverage
2017234.5×2TransmissionCaution
2016183.1×1HeadlightCaution
20145−57%—ElectricalGood
201313−45%—ElectricalGood
201210−74%—ElectricalGood

* Complaints compared with the median Clubman year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Mini Clubman problems

  • Electrical systemworst: 2012
    2229%
  • Lightsworst: 2017
    1419%
  • Other / not specified
    1216%
  • Engine & coolingworst: 2016
    1216%
  • Brakesworst: 2016
    1013%
  • Air bagsworst: 2012
    912%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 2017
    811%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 2012
    45%
  • Wheels & tiresworst: 2016
    23%
  • Seatsworst: 2012
    11%
  • Suspensionworst: 2014
    11%
  • Body & structureworst: 2016
    11%
  • Seat beltsworst: 2016
    11%
  • A/C & heaterworst: 2017
    11%

Latest Mini Clubman recalls

Engine and engine cooling › Engine

NHTSA recall 18V-465 · Jul 11, 2018 · 5,309 vehicles

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 540d xDrive vehicles. The crankshaft sensor may be equipped with incorrect firmware, preventing the sensor from properly processing input from the crankshaft reluctor ring, possibly resulting in a vehicle stall.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft sensor, free of charge. The recall began September 6, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Air bags

NHTSA recall 16V-914 · Dec 20, 2016 · 3,506 vehicles

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2017 BMW 640i, 640i xDrive, 650i, 650i xDrive, M6, 535i, 535i xDrive, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, M4, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, i3, i8, Rolls-Royce Dawn, Mini Clubman Cooper, Clubman Cooper S, Cooper All4, Cooper S All4, Mini 4-Door Cooper, Cooper S,…

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag modules, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Air bags › Side/window

NHTSA recall 16V-553 · Jul 25, 2016 · 7,810 vehicles

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 MINI Clubman vehicles manufactured August 19, 2015, through July 14, 2016. The side curtain air bags for the front seat occupants may deploy in the intended positions in the event of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the driver and passenger side curtain air bag covers, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin September 12, 2016.

All 3 Mini Clubman recalls by year →

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Mini Clubman should you avoid?

2017 and 2016 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Clubman years at the same age, led by transmission & drivetrain problems in the 2017.

What is the best year for the Mini Clubman?

2012 has the fewest complaints compared with other Clubman years at the same age, followed by 2014 and 2013. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Mini Clubman problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (22), lights (14) and engine & cooling (12). Electrical complaints peak in the 2012 model year.

How many recalls has the Mini Clubman had?

3 recalls across 2012–2019. The model year with the most is 2017. See all Mini Clubman recalls by year.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.