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2012 MINI Cooper S Countryman problems

The most common problem on the 2012 MINI Cooper S Countryman is engine and cooling, typically around 86,000 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical Cooper S Countryman model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
73/100
Owner complaints
26
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
102
Worst area
Engine

The worst 2012 MINI Cooper S Countryman problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Engine
    12
  • Airbags
    3
  • Electrical
    3
  • Seats
    2
  • Transmission
    2

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    12
  • Airbags
    3
  • Electrical
    3
  • Seats
    2
  • Transmission
    2
  • Body
    1
  • Brakes
    1
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Locks
    1
  • Steering
    1

Recalls 1

Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: turbo/superchargerReported April 18, 2018 · 47,806 vehicles affected
What is wrong
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.
Risk
If the circuit board were to overheat, it can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electric auxiliary water pump, free of charge. Depending on the model, there are currently limited parts available, however not all parts are available at this time. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning June 11, 2018, and will receive a second notification when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at BMW 1‑800‑525‑7417, MINI at 1‑866‑825‑1525, or Rolls-Royce at 1‑877‑877‑3735. Note: BMW recommends that owners park their vehicle outdoors until the recall remedy has been performed.

Recall number 18V248000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2012 MINI Cooper S Countryman

Technical service bulletins for the 2012 MINI Cooper S Countryman 102

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 102 bulletins for the 2012 MINI Cooper S Countryman

What 2012 MINI Cooper S Countryman owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 10, 2026 · Airbags · MI

Airbag light and seatbelt light are on continuously no matter if someone is in the seat or not.

Filed Jul 12, 2025 · Engine · SD

I purchased a 2012 MINI Cooper Countryman from LA Motorsports (703 1st Ave N, Windom, MN 56101) in November 2024. Prior to purchase, I specifically asked whether any open recalls remained, and the dealership assured me all had been completed. After the vehicle failed within 60 days, a certified MINI technician inspected it and confirmed the presence of stop leak and catastrophic internal engine damage. The technician also confirmed that the auxiliary water pump—subject to the federal safety agency Recall 18V‑248, a federal Stop-Sale recall—was still actively leaking at the time of inspection, and that the recall was still open at the time of sale. This indicates the dealer sold the vehicle without completing the required recall, which violates federal law (49 U.S.C. § 30120(i); 49 C.F.R. § 573.11). I am reporting this as a violation of federal safety standards and consumer protection. I have evidence available, including a video inspection and technician report, and I am willing to provide those upon request.

Filed Jun 22, 2025 · Locks · PA

We have had issues with every single door lock actuator assembly in this vehicle the passenger door will not latch shut at all! I'm sure how you could see this as a safety concern!

Filed May 12, 2025 · Electrical · WV · fire

I had been having trouble with my Footwell Module since the fall, but for months, I didn’t know what was going on!! The first time, October 2024, I went to Advance Auto Parts to get help bc it was raining and my windows were down, and I needed headlights, not to mention, the signals weren’t working. The second time it happened in January 2025, I didn’t go to Advance, I just disconnected the battery myself for a few hours. The third time it happened, first week of April 2025, I got home that night, cut my engine off, and noticed a light in my dash I hadn’t seen before. It was a fog lamp bulb, but the car was off, and it wasn’t like normal, it was an error light. When I walked around to the front if the car, I saw my fog lamps were still on, which was weird. All lights were off on toe column and dash. So, I restarted my Mini and cut her back off again, then the fog lamps went off. I had no park lights, or headlights then either. I didn’t check my windows. If they did go down they may not go back up! I didn’t check my turn signals either. I was just happy the fogs went off… It was after much research, that I ‘figured’ out what was going on with my Mini concerning all of the intermittent craziness, but it never occurred to me that there was a fire hazard. I actually looked into purchasing an FRM back in February, and had put it into my shopping cart, but it cost more than I could gather together at one time. I am pretty sure that is why my Mini caught fire & burned to a total loss on April 18, 2025. There is no other explanation. She ran too good. She was my dream car. She would boot, scoot & boogie! PLZ SOMEONE IN BMW FIX THIS PROBLEM!!!!! I am a sucker for this yr, make & model & just purchased the same one. Plz make a RECALL & Save Us, who are so PROUD to be Mini Owners & our sweet LiL Mini’s that we ADORE, are PROUD of & LOVE! Mini Rule #1 Always park next to another Mini Mini Rule #5 Be compassionate to SUV’s

Filed Aug 9, 2024 · Brakes · 125,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2012 Mini Cooper S Countryman. The contact stated that on several occasions while in reverse(R) and the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to stop immediately. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic twice and a dealer once however, the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

Filed Aug 2, 2024 · Engine · LA

Oil keeps leaking back into motor and many car repair companies keep saying this is common and they won’t repair it because it’s not worth it also on another side the hood latch keeps breaking

Filed Jul 24, 2023 · Electrical · 126,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2012 Mini Cooper S Countryman. The contacted stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the headlights, turn signals, horn, window regulators, and door locks became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.

Filed Apr 24, 2022 · Electrical · DE · fire

Fire observed starting in the engine compartment from a red hot glowing spot on the auxiliary water pump, an electric powered pump on the front of the engine. The purpose of the auxiliary water pump is to continue to pump coolant through the turbocharger even after the engine was shut off. The vehicle was totaled by the insurance company after the inspection by the dealer created an estimate too high for the repairs to be made. Report of this incident to the phone no of BMW/MiniCooper customer service had no favorable response. They blamed the US Government for not including this VIN in the recalls for this fire caused by the auxiliary water pump.

Filed Mar 19, 2021 · Engine · 118,421 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns 2012 mini cooper s countryman. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine power reduced message displayed on the instrument panel. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, there was a knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the spark plugs and coil packs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 118,421.

Filed Oct 19, 2020 · Engine, Fuel system · 80,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 mini cooper s countryman. The contact stated that while driving up a mountain at 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. An engine problem message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact restarted the vehicle and the same failure occurred soon after restart. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who informed her that there was a warranty on her vehicle for the high-pressure pump. The vehicle was towed to mini of ontario (1251 auto center dr, ontario, ca 91761) where they informed her that her vehicle was under warranty however, the mechanic also discovered that the valve cover, oil filter housing gasket o ring, front crankshaft seal, oil pump solenoid valve, water pump pulley drive wheel, and water pump all needed to be replaced. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

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Other model years

20112012

Questions about the 2012 MINI Cooper S Countryman

Is the 2012 MINI Cooper S Countryman reliable?

Owners have filed 26 complaints about the 2012 MINI Cooper S Countryman, close to a typical Cooper S Countryman model year.

What is the 2012 MINI Cooper S Countryman year score?

The 2012 MINI Cooper S Countryman scores 73 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the MINI Cooper S 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 S Countryman?

Engine and cooling, with 12 complaints, typically around 86,000 miles. Next is airbags (3).

How many recalls does the 2012 MINI Cooper S Countryman have?

1 recall, covering engine and engine cooling.

Was there a recall on the 2012 MINI Cooper S Countryman engine?

Yes, 1 recall: 18V248000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

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