2012 Mini Cooper Countryman: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 53 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (42% of complaints); the 2011 and 2013 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 1 new complaint in the last 90 days
0
recalls
53
owner complaints
8
fire reports
50,033
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No recall campaignsWeak spot: engine (42%)8 fire reports
Common problems
Computed from 53 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Engine (engine mechanics)42% · 21 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)12% · 6 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)8% · 4 complaints
Visibility/Wiper (windshield, wipers, defroster, mirrors)6% · 3 complaints
Seat Belts6% · 3 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)6% · 3 complaints
“There is a recall existing for my car, by VIN mine is not included, however I have the exact same problem. Water in the driver side foot well electrical panel which has caused a fault in the lighting, hazard lights, and battery issue. The car cannot be driven because the hazard lights and daytime running lights will not turn off even with the key out. Running out the battery in the process. The mechanic found water and corrosion inside the electrical housing.”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2024
“The contact owns a 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road. The vehicle was able to restart after several attempts but had not started since. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2024
“When the vehicle computer detects low voltage all turn signals, lights and instrument cluster immediately fail and do not turn back on. The Foot Well Module (FWM) or Foot Rest Module (FRM) computer becomes corrupt and deletes data from the module. This becomes a major safety hazard as a nighttime failure occurred causing several near accidents due to inability to signal to other vehicles. This is a known issue with Mini and they released an extended service bulletin knowing the factory footrest modules were manufactured incorrectly. Vehicles falling outside the initial warranty period are prone to safety risks when this occurs.”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2023
Show 7 more owner reports
“My 2012 Mini Countryman has had failed signal lighting. My dealer has diagnosed the issue as a failed FRM module which I have been informed that NHTSA issued in conjunction with Mini USA a warranty extension to service this module's failure. While as an owner of this car for the past 9 years, I received not notice from Mini. I recently appealed for warranty coverage of this part. Mini USA has denied coverage of my failed FRM module stating the warranty was only good for 10 years from in-service date. My vehicle went in-service 8/12/2012, or ten years and ten months. Mini is adamantly denying good will to replace this part and my car is off the road do to no working turn signals.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jun 2023
“Mini coopers have faulty transmission problems, and well mine today it's transmission went out when I had my AC on, the car stalled in the middle of the highway in the middle of the road with oncoming traffic and refused to budge, like seriously this is highly dangerous on the interstate”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2023
“Our Mini Cooper Countymen S was being towed behind our motorhome. I. saw smoke coming from the car I stopped and the car started to catch on fire. I got out motorhome disconnect just in time before the Mini was consumed by fire, it was a total loss. The Fire Investigator stated he believed the fire started in the right side of the engine compartment.”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2022
“Passenger side airbag light on with no one in seat. The repair shop stated that there is a seat sensor fault code is 93c3(passenger seat occupancy detector). If there is an accident the airbag may not deploy. I was told to by the BMW of Hawaii in Kona that it will cost $2030 for parts and labor.”Owner report · Seats · Oct 2022
“timing chain failure which caused engine shut down. this is a known problem with other models. It was not recalled but BMW lost a class action lawsuit for the same problem in the same car, different years. They have not updated or repaired the issue. very expensive repair.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2022
“I was driving down the road when a light popped onto my dash, it was the airbag/seatbelt light after some research. From what I've read, this will prevent the airbags from activating in case of a crash, and after talking to other MINI owners it is extremely common.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jul 2022
“After driving few miles (10) up hill out the dealer my check engine light turn on. It's not blinking buy seems like it's half away on the signed on the car.”Owner report · Engine · May 2021
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
How other years compare
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Is the 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman reliable?
NHTSA has 53 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman. The most complained-about area is engine (42% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 50,033 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.