VehicleVerdict

2012 Mini Cooper electrical system problems

The 2012 Mini Cooper has 28 electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA — 29% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.

28

Electrical System complaints

29%

Share of year

0

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Electrical System complaints by year

Related recalls

23V337000Electrical SystemMay 11, 2023 · 97,933 units

Defect

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.

What owners report

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…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 31, 2023 · fire

Common questions

How many electrical system complaints does the 2012 Mini Cooper have?

NHTSA has 28 complaints about the 2012 Mini Cooper electrical system — 29% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2012 Mini Cooper electrical system?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the electrical system: 23V337000.

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.