Research · Compact Cars
2012 MINI Cooper CountrymanRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 119 owner complaints for the 2012 MINI Cooper Countryman. Most complaints involve engine (44) and electrical system (42). The EPA rates it 27–30 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
27–30mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
119
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,600est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2012 MINI Cooper Countryman as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
119 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2012 – Jul 2026
- Engine44
- Electrical system42
- Air bags17
- Exterior lighting9
- Power train9
- Fuel/propulsion system7
- Seat belts6
- Seats5
- Visibility/wiper4
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine
44 reports2 crashes12 fires
“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 NHTSA 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.”
Electrical system
42 reports2 crashes7 fires
“This vin waa not included in a recall however had recall issues it obtained water in the footwell which mini has a recall issue for this and the car was caught on fire it is at the dealership in [XXX]”
Air bags
17 reports1 crash1 fire
“Mini BMW is fully aware of an issue with their OC3 detection mat on the passengers side and offered a extended warranty of 10 years/ 100k miles. This is insufficient coverage for a crucial saftey part and has led to a grey market production of occupancy detection mats "emulators" which are being sold online as the only way to have your airbag system "functional".”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl
- Transmissions
- Manual 6-spd · Automatic (S6)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooper Countryman Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 34 | 30 | $2,600 | 296 |
| Cooper Countryman Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 29 | 27 | $2,850 | 329 |
- 30mpg comb.
- 27mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2012 MINI Cooper Countryman as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 6067
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2012 Cooper Countryman questions
How many recalls does the 2012 MINI Cooper Countryman have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 10, 2026.
What are the most common 2012 MINI Cooper Countryman problems?
Owners filed 119 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (44), electrical system (42), air bags (17). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2012 MINI Cooper Countryman get?
The EPA rates the 2012 MINI Cooper Countryman at 27–30 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026