Mini

Countryman (2012)

2012 · Subcompact SUV ยท 2 engines
Best Engine โŒ Avoid (1.6)
94 NHTSA Complaints
1 Recalls
13 Fire Reports
3 Crash Reports
Includes data from: COOPER COUNTRYMANCOOPER S COUNTRYMANCOOPER S COUNTRYMAN ALL4
View all 7 generations of the Mini Countryman → ๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

1.5-I4-Gas

1.5L 4-cyl / 181 hp
โŒ Avoid (1.6)
25 complaints 25.0 per year Gasoline
5 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
12
interior
5
electrical
4
safety systems
3
fuel system
2

Known Issues

Engine Issues (12 complaints)
Interior Issues (5 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (4 complaints)

1 additional engine variant with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Mini Countryman regardless of engine variant.

Engine Issues (43 complaints)
engine critical
Electrical System Issues (19 complaints)
electrical critical
Safety Systems Issues (7 complaints)
safety_systems critical
Interior Issues (5 complaints)
interior critical

Recalls (1)

18V248000Apr 17, 2018serious
Engine & Cooling

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2012-2012 Mini Countryman problems?

The 2012-2012 Mini Countryman has accumulated 94 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Electrical System, Safety Systems. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Mini Countryman engine is most reliable?

The 2012-2012 Mini Countryman was offered with 3 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Mini Countryman Unidentified Engine has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2012-2012 Mini Countryman a good used car?

The 2012-2012 Mini Countryman can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 94 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012-2012 Mini Countryman have?

The 2012-2012 Mini Countryman has 94 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2012-2012 Mini Countryman?

There is 1 NHTSA recall affecting some 2012-2012 Mini Countryman vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Mini Countryman?

Before buying a used Mini Countryman, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Engine, Electrical System, Safety Systems, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Does the Countryman have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2012 Mini Countryman. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 94 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-05-20.

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