VehicleVerdict

2012 Mini Cooper S Convertible problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 2012 Mini Cooper S Convertible — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

3

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Cooper S Convertible years?

Cooper S Convertible NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted72 complaints2005: 72 complaints2006: 53 complaints2007: 8 complaints2008: 12 complaints2009: 15 complaints2010: 12 complaints2011: 6 complaints2012: 3 complaints
Cooper S Convertible NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cooper S Convertible years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Mini Cooper S Convertible problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System267%
Transmission133%

Does the 2012 Mini Cooper S Convertible have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V248000EngineApril 18, 2018 · 47,806 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The Footwell Module, referred to by the manufacturer as the FRM, has corrosion inside. The module is currently staying active and drawing power from the battery at all times. It appears to the same issue as 23V337000, but this chassis number is not included in the recall. I believe that this…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 20, 2024

2012 Mini Cooper S Convertible — common questions

Is the 2012 Mini Cooper S Convertible reliable?

The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2012 Mini Cooper S Convertible have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2012 Mini Cooper S Convertible. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mini Cooper S Convertible years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Cooper S Convertible years to avoid are 2005, 2006. The cleanest record among Cooper S Convertible years belongs to 2012.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.