2012 Mini Hardtop Mini Hardtop 2012

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2012 Mini Hardtop repairs by problem area

Engine (71%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (2%)

Brakes and Traction Control (8%)

Suspension and Steering (6%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (12%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (2%)

Other (0%)

Chart based on 52 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2012 Mini Hardtop.

2012 Mini Hardtop engine repair cost distribution

$2500+ (0%)

$1000 - $2499 (17%)

$500 - $999 (7%)

$100 - $499 (17%)

< $100 (59%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 29 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2012 Mini Hardtop

Engine not specified

65300 mi

US $2000
Coolant temp sensor was replaced, which resulted in a the solenoid leaking, which leaked into the computer and fried it. Second mini with this problem, near catastrophic failure. Original quote of 8k to fix. 

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2012 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

turbocharged 181hp 1.6L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

18000 mi Coolant was always disappearing. Water pump was replaced Oil leak on ground. Dealer mechanic found a faulty oil pressure distribution solenoid. 
34000 mi Coolant engine overheat light came on. Taking into dealer for warranty repair. 
38000 mi had to repair or replace the coolant tank - temp gauge came on, car overheated and stopped. 

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2012 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

turbocharged 181hp 1.6L I4 6-speed manual FWD

26660 mi Oil leak due to faulty crank shaft seal. 
31000 mi two coils were replaced and scheduled maitenance 
29320 mi

$400
Crank Shaft Seal replacement due to oil leak Water pump/belt tensioner replacement due to clicking noise at cold. 
33480 mi

$400
Belt tensioner failed. Making uggly noise 
7000 mi Engine oil control valve solenoid found to be leaking during routine maintenance. Slight misting of oils around unit. Booked in to be rectified (under warranty), a week later. New part fitted successfully. 
14000 mi Small oil leak into sensor harness...known problem with TSB for it 
17000 mi Sensor was recalled so it replaced for free 
48800 mi Partial failure of high pressure fuel pump, sensor detected. Drove to dealer. 
79900 mi

US $90
Thermostat and temperature sensor failure;  oil pressure solenoid minor leak. $1150 total, all but 90 covered by (purchased ) extended warranty 

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2012 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

121-horsepower 1.6L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

10700 mi Defective thermostat resulting in engine overheating and reduced performance mode. Replaced under warranty as part of a dealer campaign. 
15000 mi Several engine related repairs including fixing a fluid leak. 
54000 mi

US $675
bad ignition coil x1, replaced 4 spark plugs, valve cover gasket 
59000 mi thermostat housing replaced 
75000 mi

US $300
camshaft solenoid sensor 
138000 mi

US $1100
engine computer replacement 
7200 mi Engine cooling fan temp sensor replaced as per Mini recall. 
14000 mi Oil pump solenoid leaking, leak stopped by replacing the solenoid wiring 

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2012 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

121-horsepower 1.6L I4 6-speed manual FWD

4000 mi Faulty sensor made the car think it was over heating. 
16740 mi Thermostat housing leaking - replaced thermostat assembly. There is a TSB for this. Oil pump solenoid leaking, allowing oil to wick into wiring harness. Replaced solenoid and wiring harness and inspected DME for damage. This is a known issue with the N16. 
6000 mi Loud "clattering" noise. Towed to dealership. Spun rod due to defective part. Waiting for new engine/will be covered under warranty. 
43700 mi

US $600
ignition coils & spark plugs replaced 
15200 mi

US $270
Oil pump volume control solenoid 
22000 mi Replaced ignition coils (4) 
36855 mi

US $1200
Thermostat housing replaced. 
38149 mi

US $1500
Replaced oil filter housing gasket due to coolant leak. Exhaust gaskets also replaced due to catalytic removal. 
2000 mi Check engine light came on, apparently a faulty spark plug. 
9000 mi Replace faulty thermostat 
13000 mi Small oil leak near sensor harness. TSB. 

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2012 Mini Hardtop 2dr Hatch

67100 mi

US $1100
gas loose tank light appeared accompanied by a check engine light. Faulty fuel tank breather and leak diagnosis pump were replaced. 
125000 mi

US $425
Check engine light. Thermostat housing went bad 

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See TrueDelta's information for all Hatchbacks
See TrueDelta's information for all Mini models.

2012 Mini Hardtop Engine Problems

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2012 Mini Hardtop problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.