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EnginePart report

2012 MINI Cooper S Countryman Engine Problems

Complaints
12about this part
Share
46%of 26 total for the year
Median mileage
86,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the engine of the 2012 MINI Cooper S Countryman, 46% of the 26 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 86,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“My engine light came on and while on the freeway, the car slowed to 19 MPH, then died. I will need a new timing chain, engine, and more. This car is new to me from a used car dealership.”

NHTSA complaint #11130775, filed 2018-09, 95,000 miles

“Turbo coolant pump - last year my car smelled like burnt rubber and smoke began coming out of the tailpipes. The smoke was so bad, the car looked like it was on fire. I took it to a body shop to get it fixed and the smoke stopped. About 9 months later, I was parked with the car on. The rubber smell and smoke appeared again. I took it to a mechanic who said it was the coolant pump for the turbo. He said there had been a recall for it. I looked up the recall, but my VIN was not included. My car is having this exact problem and Mini will not fix it. …”

NHTSA complaint #11130503, filed 2018-09, 86,000 miles

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #11321445, filed 2020-04

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #11150856, filed 2018-11

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #11155449, filed 2018-12

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
20121246%
2011529%

Other parts of the 2012 MINI Cooper S Countryman

Air bags
3 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2012 MINI Cooper S Countryman

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology