2012 MINI Cooper S Countryman problems & reliability
26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 MINI Cooper S Countryman, alongside 1 safety recall campaign. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine → | 12 | 46% |
| Air Bags | 3 | 12% |
| Electrical System | 3 | 12% |
| Unknown OR Other | 3 | 12% |
| Power Train | 2 | 8% |
| Seats | 2 | 8% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 1 | 4% |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 | 4% |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 1 | 4% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 | 4% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
All 12 reported components →Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“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…”
Engine · filed Jul 12, 2025
“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!”
Latches/locks/linkages · filed Jun 22, 2025
“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…”
Electrical System · filed May 12, 2025
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Technical service bulletins
102 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2012 MINI Cooper S Countryman. The 10 most recent:
MINI electrical systems have continued to develop over the past few years. As a result, the demand on the batteries has increased. Breakdowns due to an empty battery or problems in the vehicles electrical system can…
M610607 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 25, 2023
New RDC wheel electronics will be introduced with future generation MINI models. The new wheel electronics are identified as Huf Generation 5. These new wheel electronics will need to be programmed using the new tool…
M360119 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 1, 2021
Air Conditioning System Leak Testing. The customer complains of poor or no air conditioning cooling. After further diagnosis, the system is found to be low or empty of a refrigerant charge, but when using an electronic…
M640108 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 12, 2019
N18 thermostat with thermostat housing: limited warranty extension to 10 years/ this service information bulletin supersedes si m01 02 18 dated may 2018.
M010218 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 1, 2019
N18 thermostat with thermostat housing: limited warrantyextension to 10 years/ this service information bulletin supersedes si m01 02 18 dated may 2018.
M010218 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 1, 2019
"MANUAL TRANSMISSION - STIFF DIAGONAL GEARSHIFT LEVER MOVEMENT. The customer may complain of a ""stiff diagonal shift"" (e.g., N-R, R-N, 2-3/3-2 or 4-5/5-4). Also, in some cases, gears cannot be selected, or the…
M230108 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 1, 2018
"N18 Engine High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HDP): Limited Warranty Extension to 10 Years/120,000 Miles This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI M01 01 16 dated March 2016.. For the above-referenced vehicles, MINI USA, a…
M010116 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 1, 2017
Creaking/Cracking Noise from the Upper Roof Area. A creaking noise can be heard from the rear roof area when driving on rough roads or uneven surfaces. The body shell roof support area, where the C-pillar is joined to…
M510513 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 1, 2016
"Service Action: Retrofit of Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor. Internal corrosion could form in the engine coolant temperature sensor. This corrosion leads to internal bridging of the contacts, which can cause an…
M170213 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 1, 2016
"ENGINE MECHANICAL WATER (COOLANT) PUMP: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 7 YEARS/84,000 MILES. INFORMATION As part of a Class Action Suit Settlement for the vehicles listed above (""Class Vehicles""), MINI USA, a division…
M011216 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 1, 2016
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2012 MINI Cooper S Countryman has 1 NHTSA recall campaign — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2012 MINI Cooper S Countryman?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.