DecodedCars2012 MINI Clubman
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 30 combined · 27 city / 34 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 30 MPG combined — 38% better than the average 2012 subcompact car (21.7 MPG).
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 9 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 MINI Clubman is a subcompact car offered with 2 engines (1.6L 4-cyl and 1.6L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 30 MPG combined (27 city / 34 highway), 38% better than the 2012 subcompact car average of 21.7 MPG, for an estimated $2,750 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Clubman — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Clubman →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooper Clubman | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 34 / 30 | +38% | $2,750 | 296 |
| Cooper Clubman | 1.6L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 34 / 30 | +38% | $2,750 | 296 |
| Cooper S Clubman | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 34 / 30 | +38% | $2,750 | 296 |
| Cooper S Clubman | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 33 / 28 | +29% | $2,950 | 317 |
| John Cooper Works Clubman | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 32 / 28 | +29% | $2,950 | 317 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 MINI Clubman.
Similar 2012 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 MINI Clubman (this car) | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Nissan GT-R | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Ford Fiesta | 32 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 Nissan Altima | 26 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | 25 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV | 62 mi | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Scion xD | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2012 MINI Clubman.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2012 MINI Clubman is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 MINI Clubman buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Electrical System — 7 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Air Bags — 2 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Engine — 2 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 70,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 MINI Clubman. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Clubman years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Clubman | 29 | 168.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2023 Clubman | 29 | 168.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 Clubman | 29 | 168.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 2 |
| 2021 Clubman | 29 | 168.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 Clubman | 29 | 168.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 Clubman | 28 | 168.1 in | Not rated | 1 | 6 |
| 2018 Clubman | 28 | 167.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2017 Clubman | 28 | 167.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 23 |
| 2016 Clubman | 28 | 167.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 18 |
| 2014 Clubman | 30 | – | Not rated | 0 | 5 |
| 2013 Clubman | 30 | – | Not rated | 0 | 12 |
| 2011 Clubman | 30 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or MINI. How we calculate this →