My 2012 MINI Countryman (R60) experienced a complete electrical shutdown and engine failure while operating due to a severe manufacturing defect. Authorized dealership Jackie Cooper MINI of Edmond diagnosed the vehicle under RO# [XXX] and confirmed in writing that the "JBE electronic connectors are heavily corroded" and "The FRM has water/corrosion damage," providing a repair estimate of $4,700 (including a specific $1,055.84 charge to replace the FRM and clean the sunroof drains). Water entering the footwell area through defective, shrinking sunroof drainage structures is the exact identical failure mechanism, component (FRM3 Module), and extreme safety/fire hazard covered under mandatory safety recall the federal safety agency Campaign 23V‑337. However, MINI has improperly excluded the R60 Countryman model from active coverage despite it utilizing the identical electrical infrastructure and drainage engineering layout. Releasing this vehicle into traffic presents a catastrophic risk of a highway vehicle fire or sudden total loss of vehicle control and lighting at high speeds. the federal safety agency must expand Recall 23V‑337 to include the 2012 MINI Countryman to protect consumers from these documented structural water-ingress fires. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The worst 2012 MINI Cooper Countryman problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine28
- Electrical14
- Transmission6
- Airbags5
- Fuel system4
- Lights4
- Seat belts4
- Visibility3
- Driver assistance2
- Body1
- Brakes1
- Seats1
- Steering1
- Suspension1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2012 MINI Cooper Countryman
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Technical service bulletins for the 2012 MINI Cooper Countryman 121
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been...
- The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been...
- While performing a 12-Volt battery jump start, disconnect, or replacement, vehicle test, and/or...
- While performing a 12-Volt battery jump start, disconnect, or replacement, vehicle test, and/or...
- Hot-Film Air Mass Meter Return
- Customer complains of a musty odor or damp front footwell carpet.
- MINI electrical systems have continued to develop over the past few years
- New RDC wheel electronics will be introduced with future generation MINI models
- Air Conditioning System Leak Testing
- N16 engine ignition coils: limited warranty extension to 10 years/120000 miles
2012 MINI Cooper Countryman fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4‑cyl | FWD | 25-27 | 29-34 | 27-30 |
What 2012 MINI Cooper Countryman owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
My front windshield wipers stopped working suddenly while driving in the rain
No warning lights have come on and the car is braking on its own. I try to push the gas and it doesn't want to go. The car has around 42k miles on it. I took it to tom bush mini last week, the said the front axle was leaking some fluid, they ordererd the axle, changed all brake pads, changed the brake fluid and said it was good to go, cost about $2300. Got the car back, doing the same thing. Now they said all calipers need to be replaced and the hydro unit dsc needs to be replaced which will cost around $6400 and they can't get the hyro unit dsc or 2 months. If this was the problem why didn't they know last week? It doesn't seem like the car has enough miles to have such a big issues and no part for 2 months. I don't know what to do.
The contact owns a 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle stalled. The fuel tank was a third of the way full. The trunk was locking and unlocking continuously while driving or while the vehicle was parked. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical system). The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that there was a short in the footwell module due to water intrusion. The drain was also clogged in the sunroof. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 161,818.
On the evening of [XXX] at approximately [XXX] my 2012 Mini Cooper S all 4 burst into flames. The car was parked in front of my building for 6 days (we don't use the car very much) in front of my building when the all of a sudden the head lights started flashing followed by the car cabin filling with grey smoke then followed by black smoke then there was a flash (spark?) and the entire cabin the became engulfed in flames. All of this has been captured by our building security camera. I reported the incident the following day to Mini/BMW customer care. I've been sharing emails with Thomas Lula who is investigating the "thermal event" INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
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.
While traveling on the highway at speed, the forward (retractable) sunroof exploded with no apparent provocation or warning. When the failure occurred there was a loud bang followed by glass forcefully raining down into the front and back seat area of the vehicle. There were no vehicles immediately ahead, and no overpasses or trees from which something could have fallen. The driver immediately slowed but did not swerve and there were no other vehicles close by so there was no secondary incident. The glass from the roof continued to fall on subsequent bumps in the road until all of the loose glass had fallen. The size of the glass pieces varied in size and sharpness greatly, with some pieces being very small clear slivers (causing mild cut to hand when exiting the vehicle). In addition when exiting the vehicle a piece of glass from the sunroof found its way into the driver's seatbelt fastener and as a result can no longer be buckled. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by anyone and is available for inspection on request.
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.
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.
Compare the 2012 MINI Cooper Countryman
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Questions about the 2012 MINI Cooper Countryman
Is the 2012 MINI Cooper Countryman reliable?
Owners have filed 53 complaints about the 2012 MINI Cooper Countryman, 1.8 times a typical Cooper Countryman model year.
What is the 2012 MINI Cooper Countryman year score?
The 2012 MINI Cooper Countryman scores 52 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the MINI Cooper Countryman: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 MINI Cooper Countryman?
Engine and cooling, with 28 complaints, typically around 44,000 miles. Next is electrical (14).
How many recalls does the 2012 MINI Cooper Countryman have?
No recalls on record.
What gas mileage does the 2012 MINI Cooper Countryman get?
Official estimates for the 2012 MINI Cooper Countryman range from 27 to 30 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.6L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 25-27 city and 29-34 highway.
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