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.
2012 MINI Cooper S Countryman engine problems
12 complaints (46% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 86,000.
- owner complaints
- 12
- of this car's complaints
- 46%
- typical mileage
- 86,000
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Engine: gasoline: turbo/supercharger: intercooler1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
MINI Cooper S Countryman engine problems in other years
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: turbo/supercharger
- 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
What 2012 MINI Cooper S Countryman owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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
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.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 mini cooper s countryman. The contact took the vehicle to mini of arlington (2001 n collins st, arlington, tx 76011) for an oil change and was informed by the mechanic that the water pump was failing and needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact discovered the federal safety agency campaign number: 18v248000 (engine and engine cooling) however, the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
The first image shows a quote for work that edison mini stated my car needs. The second image is a screenshot I saved from the internet when I researched if the issue with the the water pump is a known issue for my year and make of my car. Is there a way where you can help me to get this water pump issue corrected by mini, at their expense? My car is a 2012, 8 years old and I have a mere 77,000 miles on it.
Tl* the contact owned a 2012 mini cooper s countryman. After driving for approximately four hours, the contact parked the vehicle and black smoke appeared under the hood. The contact exited the vehicle and called 911. The police and fire departments arrived and the fire department extinguished the fire. A police report and a fire report were filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to an impound facility. There were no injuries. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 84,000. *ln*jb*pm
My 2012 mini cooper countryman with 83033 miles is requiring replacement of the thermostat housing, the recalled water pump was installed by the dealer on 10/31/2018, I had the vehicle towed to the dealer, they said it will cost you $1800 to replace the thermostat housing, I have been told not to drive my car on the highway, it will cost me $1800. Pre the dealership to fix. There is not any parts in the united states currently to fix this car. I have included photos of the thermostat housing that was removed from my car and by paper work from the dealer. It look like it was chip when the water pump was replaced and not cracked. I have order two thermostat and they do not fix. I am still paying for this car though mini finanicel, maybe it time to have this car return back to them. I cannot get the correct thermostat to get it fix. Do not want to keep paying for a car I cannot drive. So where do we go from here....
Oil filter housing and/or oil filter housing gaskets leaking directly on exhaust downpipe, and in my opinion is a fire hazard. The oil fllter housing is only held on by a few bolts, and engine vibration and heat cause leaking. This is a horrible design, and a common problem on the 1.6 engine. This is a very expensive fix, and again in my opinion, there should be a safety recall. My mini only has 106k miles, and I have not yet fixed it due to the expense. With the oil dripping directly on the exhaust, the oil burns and smokes and is a fire hazard. I know that this has been a common complaint for thousands of mini owners.
Water pump failed at 84,000 miles causing engine to stall on the highway.
Questions about the 2012 MINI Cooper S Countryman engine
Does the 2012 MINI Cooper S Countryman have engine problems?
Owners have filed 12 complaints about the engine of the 2012 MINI Cooper S Countryman, 46% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2012 MINI Cooper S Countryman engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 86,000 miles.
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.
Other 2012 MINI Cooper S Countryman problems
Airbags 3Electrical 3Seats 2Transmission 2Body 1Brakes 1Fuel system 1Locks 1Steering 1
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