Mini Countryman (photo courtesy of Creative Commons).

A water pump that cools the turbocharger in Mini models with the turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four-cylinder engine has a circuit board that can malfunction and overheat, according to Motor Trend.

"In an extreme case, this overheating can lead to a smoldering of the water pump and eventually can create a vehicle fire," BMW spokeswoman Nathalie Bauters told CBS.

Bauters said 12 fires were reported to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The fires began while the vehicles were still. No accidents or injuries were reported.

According to CBS, the recalled models include: 2007-11 Mini Cooper S; 2008-11 Mini Cooper Clubman; 2009-11 Mini Cooper S Convertible; 2009-11 Mini JCW; 2009-11 Mini JCW Clubman; 2009-11 Mini JCW Convertible and 2011 Mini Cooper S Countryman.

Mini is expected to send out letters to vehicle owners about the recall next month. 

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Reach executive producer Agnus Dei Farrant here.