Model year guide

2012 Mini Cooper Roadster

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 7 on record.

2012 Mini Cooper Roadster — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2012 Mini Cooper Roadster at a glance

Safety recallsNone
Owner complaints68
Combined30 mpg
Typical price$17,500

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2012 Mini Cooper Roadster recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2012 Mini Cooper Roadster common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 68 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Seats
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.

2012 Mini Cooper Roadster MPG & running costs

Combined30 mpg
City27 mpg
Highway34 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,750
EPA size classTwo Seaters
TransmissionAutomatic (S6) or Manual 6-spd
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$1,750 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

What's a 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster worth?

Low
$13,500
Typical price
$17,500
High
$24,750

From 7 comparable 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$13,750
Fuel only$13,750
Per mile$0.18

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
146.9 in
Width
66.1 in
Height
54.7 in
Wheelbase
97.2 in
Curb weight
2,635 lb
Front track
57.1 in
Rear track
57.5 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 154

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 154.

While performing a 12-Volt battery jump start, disconnect, or replacement, vehicle test, and/or programmingprocedure- the MINI Footwell Module (FRM) may become unresponsive. As a result, one or more of the following vehicle electric system-related issues may o…

Bulletin M610226 · Electrical System · Sep 2026

The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 186,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.

Bulletin M010616 · Electrical System · May 2026

While performing a 12-Volt battery jump start, disconnect, or replacement, vehicle test, and/or programming procedure- the MINI Footwell Module (FRM) may become unresponsive. As a result, one or more of the following vehicle electric system-related issues may…

Bulletin M610226 · Electrical System · Apr 2026

The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 186,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.

Bulletin M010616 · Electrical System · Mar 2025

The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 240,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.

Bulletin M010616 · Electrical System, Structure · Feb 2025

Hot-Film Air Mass Meter Return

Bulletin M060424 · Engine · May 2024

Cavity protection applied to underside of the hood is leaking out onto the wheel arch trim and grille.

Bulletin M511616 · Structure · Nov 2023

MINI electrical systems have continued to develop over the past few years. As a result, the demand on the batteries has increased. Breakdowns due to an empty battery or problems in the vehicles electrical system can have various causes, most of which are not d…

Bulletin M610607 · Electrical System · Oct 2023

New RDC wheel electronics will be introduced with future generation MINI models. The new wheel electronics are identified as Huf Generation 5. These new wheel electronics will need to be programmed using the new tool when replaced or when depressurized (0 psi)…

Bulletin M360119 · Equipment, Electrical System, Wheels · Dec 2021

OC3 SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT - LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES: Component-Specific Limited Warranty Extension For the above-referenced vehicles, MINI USA, a division of BMW of North America, LLC (MINI USA) is extending the limited warranty for t…

Bulletin M011116 · Seats · Aug 2020

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the COOPER ROADSTER FWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

2012 Mini Cooper Roadster trims & engines on record

Trims
Base · S · John Cooper Works
Engines
1.6L 4-cyl

2012 Mini Cooper Roadster vehicles on record

2012 Mini Cooper Roadster 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster John Cooper WorksWMWSY5C59CT312503 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster SWMWSY3C53CT144698 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster SWMWSY3C5XCT144391 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster BaseWMWSY1C50CT311801 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster SWMWSY3C50CT144223 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster BaseWMWSY1C57CT429005 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster BaseWMWSY1C54CT429138

Other Mini Cooper Roadster model years

2015 2014 2013

2012 Mini Cooper Roadster — frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists no safety-recall campaigns for the 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster?

Across all 68 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, engine, air bags.

What gas mileage does the 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster get?

The 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster has a U.S. EPA estimate of 30 mpg combined (27 city / 34 highway).

How much is a 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster worth?

Comparable 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster listings run roughly $13,500–$24,750, typically around $17,500 (from 7 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.