DecodedCars2012 MINI John Cooper Works
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, 2dr Hatch FWD, Clubman 3dr Hatch FWD, Coupe 2dr Coupe
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 25 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- 146.1–155.9 in
- Curb weight
- 2,701–2,895 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 28 MPG combined — 35% better than the average 2012 two seaters (20.7 MPG).
- Few owner complaints0 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 163 for similar models.
- 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 3 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 MINI John Cooper Works is a two seaters offered with a 1.6L 4-cyl turbo engine 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 2,811 lb (2dr Convertible FWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (25 city / 32 highway), 35% better than the 2012 two seaters average of 20.7 MPG, for an estimated $2,950 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 John Cooper Works — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 John Cooper Works →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Convertible FWD | 146.1 in | 66.1 in | 55.5 in | 97.2 in | 57.5 / 57.5 in | 2,811 lb | 59/41 |
| 2dr Hatch FWD | 146.1 in | 66.1 in | 55.5 in | 97.2 in | 57.1 / 56.7 in | 2,707 lb | 61/39 |
| Clubman 3dr Hatch FWD | 155.9 in | 66.1 in | 56.3 in | 100.4 in | 56.7 / 57.1 in | 2,895 lb | 59/41 |
| Coupe 2dr Coupe | 146.9 in | 66.1 in | 54.3 in | 97.2 in | 57.5 / 57.9 in | 2,701 lb | 61/39 |
| Roadster | 146.9 in | 66.1 in | 54.7 in | 97.2 in | 57.1 / 57.5 in | 2,767 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Cooper Works Coupe | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 32 / 28 | +35% | $2,950 | 317 |
| John Cooper Works | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 32 / 28 | +26% | $2,950 | 317 |
| John Cooper Works Convertible | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 32 / 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 John Cooper Works.
Similar 2012 two seaterss
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 MINI John Cooper Works (this car) | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Fiat 500 | 32 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2012 MINI Cooper | 32 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 MINI Roadster | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2012 MINI John Cooper Works.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2012 MINI John Cooper Works is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2012 MINI John Cooper Works in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2012 MINI John Cooper Works buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- 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 John Cooper Works. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other John Cooper Works years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 John Cooper Works | 30 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 John Cooper Works | 30 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 John Cooper Works | 30 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 John Cooper Works | 29 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 John Cooper Works | 29 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 John Cooper Works | 29 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 John Cooper Works | 29 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 John Cooper Works | 29 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 John Cooper Works | 28 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 John Cooper Works | 28 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 John Cooper Works | 28 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 John Cooper Works | 27 | – | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or MINI. How we calculate this →