2011 MINI Cooper Clubman Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2011 MINI Cooper Clubman has a Complaint Index of 50 and ranks 4th worst out of 7 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Electrical system failures dominate complaints (61% share), led by footwell control module problems, alongside airbag warning light issues.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 50/100
- #4 of 7 Cooper Clubman years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 18
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Electrical System
Top 2011 MINI Cooper Clubman problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System11 (61%)
- Airbags6 (33%)
- Brakes1 (6%)
- Engine1 (6%)
- Other1 (6%)
- Seat Belts1 (6%)
- Steering1 (6%)
- Structure & Body1 (6%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Footwell control module (FRM) fails and knocks out brake lights, turn signals, headlights, windows, and interior lights all at once.
- Sunroof drain hose disconnects and floods the electrical control box, causing the car to break down.
- Passenger airbag warning light stays on due to an occupant detection sensor fault, sometimes accompanied by a seat belt warning light and an uncleared crash safety module code.
- Steering wheel became hard to turn while the accelerator stopped responding and instrument panel gauges went blank during a turn.
- Auxiliary water pump overheated and burned out the electrical circuit board, causing the engine to die at highway speed.
- Owners waiting on the 2023 electrical system recall reported the replacement part was unavailable at dealers.
2011 MINI Cooper Clubman recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V337000May 11, 2023Electrical System97,933 vehicles
Electrical system
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 11V299000May 25, 2011Electrical System75 vehicles
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
BMW Is recalling certain model year 2011 Mini Cooper Clubman and Cooper S Clubman vehicles manufactured from February 8, 2011, through May 11, 2011, for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicles Safety Standard No. 101, "Controls and Displays." These vehicles are equipped with a European specification tachometer that uses brake-system telltales/symbols that do not meet U.S. requirements.
Risk: In the event of an ABS system problem, only the the outer circle of the symbol illuminates, not the ABS letters. As such, the driver may be unaware that there is a problem with the ABS, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: All affected vehicles have been repaired at dealerships. Therefore, an owner notification letter will not be issued for this campaign. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
2011 compared with other Cooper Clubman years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2011 MINI Cooper Clubman reliable?
- NHTSA lists 18 complaints for the 2011 model, giving it a Complaint Index of 50 and a Caution verdict, ranking 4th worst among the 7 model years with data. Electrical system issues make up 61% of complaints.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2011 MINI Cooper Clubman?
- The electrical system is the top problem area, with 11 complaints (61% share) centered on footwell control module failures, at a median mileage of 61,450.
- Does the 2011 MINI Cooper Clubman have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 2 recalls: one from May 2011 covering a federal safety standard issue, and one from 2023 (campaign 23V337000) covering sunroof drain and footwell module inspection, neither marked do-not-drive.
- How does the 2011 model compare to other Clubman years?
- 2011 is Caution with a Complaint Index of 50, better than 2009 and 2010, which are both rated Avoid with indexes of 100 and 83, but worse than 2008 (Caution, 67 index).
- Are airbag warning lights common on the 2011 Clubman?
- Yes, airbags are the second-largest problem area with 6 complaints (33% share), mostly involving passenger seat occupant detection faults, at a median mileage of 45,725.