DecodedCars2012 MINI Cooper
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Two Seaters
- Body styles
- 2dr Convertible FWD, Classic/Cooper 2dr Hatch FWD, Clubman 3dr Hatch FWD, Clubman S 3dr Hatch FWD
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 32 combined · 29 city / 36 hwy
- Length
- 145.7–155.9 in
- Curb weight
- 2,546–2,855 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 55% better than the average 2012 two seaters (20.7 MPG).
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- Many owner complaints163 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 0 for similar models — most often about the electrical system.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 3 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 MINI Cooper is a two seaters offered with 2 engines (1.6L 4-cyl and 1.6L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 146 inches long and 66 inches wide on a 97-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,546 lb (2dr Convertible FWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (29 city / 36 highway), 55% better than the 2012 two seaters average of 20.7 MPG, for an estimated $2,550 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 163 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 Cooper — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Cooper →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Convertible FWD | 145.7 in | 66.1 in | 55.5 in | 97.2 in | 57.5 / 57.5 in | 2,546 lb | 61/39 |
| Classic/Cooper 2dr Hatch FWD | 145.7 in | 66.1 in | 55.5 in | 97.2 in | 57.1 / 56.7 in | 2,546 lb | 62/38 |
| Clubman 3dr Hatch FWD | 155.1 in | 66.1 in | 56.3 in | 100.4 in | 56.7 / 57.1 in | 2,723 lb | 59/41 |
| Clubman S 3dr Hatch FWD | 155.9 in | 66.1 in | 56.3 in | 100.4 in | 56.7 / 57.1 in | 2,855 lb | 59/41 |
| Coupe 2dr Coupe | 146.9 in | 66.1 in | 54.3 in | 97.2 in | 57.5 / 57.9 in | 2,557 lb | 62/38 |
| Roadster | 146.9 in | 66.1 in | 54.7 in | 97.2 in | 57.1 / 57.5 in | 2,635 lb |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooper Coupe | 1.6L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 36 / 32 | +55% | $2,550 | 278 |
| Cooper | 1.6L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 36 / 32 | +44% | $2,550 | 278 |
| Cooper Coupe | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 35 / 30 | +45% | $2,750 | 296 |
| Cooper S Coupe | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 34 / 30 | +45% | $2,750 | 296 |
| Cooper | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 35 / 30 | +35% | $2,750 | 296 |
| Cooper Convertible | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 34 / 30 | +35% | $2,750 | 296 |
| Cooper Convertible | 1.6L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 34 / 30 | +35% | $2,750 | 296 |
| Cooper S | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 34 / 30 | +35% | $2,750 | 296 |
| Cooper S Convertible | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 34 / 30 | +35% | $2,750 | 296 |
| Cooper S Coupe | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 33 / 28 | +35% | $2,950 | 317 |
| Cooper S | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 33 / 28 | +26% | $2,950 | 317 |
| Cooper S Convertible | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 33 / 28 | +26% | $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 Cooper.
Similar 2012 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 MINI Cooper (this car) | 32 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Fiat 500 | 32 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 MINI John Cooper Works | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 MINI Roadster | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (2)
Electrical System · May 11, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V337000 · 97,933 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- 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.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/Supercharger · Apr 18, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V248000 · 47,806 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- 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.
Not every 2012 MINI Cooper is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 MINI Cooper buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 60 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 58 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Air Bags — 20 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 68,587 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 Cooper. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Cooper years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Cooper | 31 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Cooper | 32 | 152.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 3 |
| 2025 Cooper | 32 | 152.8 in | Not rated | 4 | 6 |
| 2024 Cooper | 32 | – | Not rated | 2 | 2 |
| 2023 Cooper | 32 | – | Not rated | 2 | 12 |
| 2022 Cooper | 32 | – | Not rated | 2 | 9 |
| 2021 Cooper | 31 | – | Not rated | 4 | 7 |
| 2020 Cooper | 31 | – | Not rated | 4 | 13 |
| 2019 Cooper | 32 | – | Not rated | 2 | 17 |
| 2018 Cooper | 32 | – | Not rated | 0 | 8 |
| 2017 Cooper | 32 | – | Not rated | 3 | 34 |
| 2016 Cooper | 32 | – | Not rated | 4 | 51 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or MINI. How we calculate this →