2012 Mini Clubman Problems & Complaints

Better than average74% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Clubman at the same age

Owners have filed 10 complaints about the 2012 Mini Clubman with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 74% fewer than a typical Clubman model year at the same age, making the 2012 one of the better Clubman years. The most reported problem area is the electrical system (7 complaints, typically around 70,000 miles).

10complaints
0recalls
0crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 2012 Mini Clubman problems

  • Electrical system~70,000 miles
    770%
  • Air bags~91,000 miles
    220%
  • Other / not specified
    220%
  • Engine & cooling
    220%
  • Fuel & propulsion system
    220%
  • Seats~91,000 miles
    110%

Share of the 10 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Mini Clubman 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).

Best Clubman years: 2012, 2014, 2013. Years to avoid: 2017, 2016. Compare all years →

What 2012 Mini Clubman owners say

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.

70,000 miles · Aug 2023

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.

63,000 miles · May 2023

2012 Mini Clubman engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
1.6L 4-cyl6-speed automaticFWD27 / 34 / 30
1.6L 4-cyl6-speed manualFWD27 / 34 / 30
1.6L 4-cyl turbo6-speed manualFWD26 / 34 / 30
1.6L 4-cyl turbo6-speed automaticFWD25 / 33 / 28

EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2012 Mini Clubman a good car?

Based on 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Clubman rates better than average: 74% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Clubman at the same age. It is one of the best Clubman years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Mini Clubman?

The electrical system — 7 complaints, 70% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the air bags (2) and engine & cooling (2).

How many recalls does the 2012 Mini Clubman have?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2012 Mini Clubman. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Mini Clubman?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2012, 2014 and 2013. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2017 and 2016. See the full Mini Clubman years comparison.

At what mileage do 2012 Mini Clubman problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 70,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.

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.