RoadVitals

2011 MINI Cooper Countryman

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
29
Latest Apr 6, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
0
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
3

Overview

Our database contains 29 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2011 MINI Cooper Countryman, most frequently naming the electrical, engine and steering categories. 121 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Electrical1125.6%
  • Engine818.6%
  • Steering49.3%
  • Airbags37.0%
  • Powertrain (other)37.0%
  • Driver assistance37.0%
  • Visibility24.7%
  • Brakes24.7%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

No recalls in our database for this model year

That does not guarantee a specific vehicle is unaffected — recalls are issued against VINs, and new campaigns are announced regularly. Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov.

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Engine
Filed Apr 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, there was an abnormal burning odor inside and outside the vehicle. The vehicle then stalled. The vehicle was able to be restarted after several hours. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a cracked water pump, which caused the engine to overheat. The contact was informed that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ID
11729444
Incident
Apr 3, 2026
Mileage
120,000 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Sep 12, 2025
Fire reported

The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked in the driveway while both the contact and his wife were in another vehicle parked in the garage. The contact noticed white smoke coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that upon opening the hood of the vehicle, the contact noticed an electrical burning smell and fire. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher. The contact then noticed that a blue plug had melted and was smoking. A police report was not filed. There was no injury sustained. Upon investigating the failure online, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V008000(Engine and Engine Cooling). The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle remained at the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that he would receive a call back. The failure mileage was 111,019.

NHTSA ID
11686826
Incident
Sep 11, 2025
Mileage
111,019 mi
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Jan 14, 2025

My 2011 Mini Cooper had to go to my mechanic because I have no turn signals, no dash or interior lights and my front windows will not go up or down. My mechanic determined the problem to be the Footwell Control Module. My mechanic did not/can not repair because it has to be programmed at a Dealership. My dad also has a 2011 Mini Cooper and he has been notified that there is a recall for his VIN # for the Footwell Control Module. I don't understand why there is not a recall for my VIN #. I am at a standstill with a car that I am afraid to drive because I am unable to signal to other drivers that I am about to turn. And I am afraid of being in an accident because of the turn signals and then being trapped in the car because it wont unlock and the windows wont go down. And if I drive it at night I cannot see any of my dash gauges and indicators of problems. I called the nearest Dealership and was told that there will PROBABLY be a recall for my VIN# at some point and that I would be reimbursed for the work if I go ahead and have them do it. I called Mini Cooper and inquired about the possibility of a recall and was told that there may never be a recall. I don't know what to do because the Dealership told me that they will investigate the damage and do the repairs which could include new carpet and body work and and and...... I am sure that I can not afford all of that work to be done at a BMW/Mini Cooper dealership. So I am left with the decision to chance driving it or chance spending a large amount of $ that may never be reimbursed.

NHTSA ID
11635814
Incident
Dec 23, 2024
Electrical
Filed Sep 25, 2024

The contact owns a 2011 Mini Copper Countryman. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked at the residence, the vehicle became flooded. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 29,000.

NHTSA ID
11616505
Incident
Sep 9, 2024
Mileage
29,000 mi
Engine
Filed Nov 15, 2023

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? HEAD GASKETS BLEW ON THE ENGINE SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING IN JANUARY 2022. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED AROUND MARCH 2022. NOW THE REPLACEMENT ENGINE IS SHOWING THE SAME SIGNS THAT THE HEAD GASKETS ARE AGAIN BLOWN. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? THIS CAUSE THE ENGINE TO SHUT DOWN INITIALLY WHEN THEY BLEW. THE ENGINE IS NOW AGAIN MISFIRING AS IF THE HEAD GASKETS HAVE BLOWN AGAIN. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? NOT BEEN TO A SERVICE CENTER YET, BUT IT IS ACTING THE SAME AS THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? NOT BEEN INSPECTED CURRENTLY. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AROUND MAY 2023.

NHTSA ID
11555328
Incident
May 1, 2023
Electrical
Filed Sep 13, 2023

The footwell control module has failed in my Mini which was discovered when it went in for service due to a multitude of dash lights coming on at start up and issues with getting the car to start. I was getting dash lights for to warn that the headlight control motors were off and then the headlights began to flicker around and then shut themselves off, the ABS brake system was off, traction control was off, the AC temperature was not holding a temperature and instead would swing constantly, and I would get a clicking noise in the passenger dash area when it failed to start. When it went in for service, they found that footwell control module was corroded due to water infiltration at some point. Previous to this, I had had an issue with water getting into the floorboards after heavy rains, contacting my local Mini dealership, I was informed to check the drain lines on the sunroofs of my car as this can become clogged and cause water to come into the interior of the car. These drain lines are known to introduce water to the location of the footwell control module to the point that other models of this same year have already had a recall.

NHTSA ID
11544322
Incident
Sep 6, 2023
Engine
Filed May 2, 2023

The contact owns a 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the contact noticed an abnormal sound. The contact stated that after the vehicle warmed up, the abnormal sound stopped. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 108,000.

NHTSA ID
11520101
Incident
Apr 24, 2023
Mileage
108,000 mi
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Apr 7, 2017

IN AUG/SEPT 2016 THE ENGINE LIGHT IN THE MINI CAME ON AND I DECIDED TO GET THE CAR SCANNED AND THE RESULTS WERE THE SAME AS THE ONES MADE BY AUTOZONE STORE 1854 REPORT ID 185416102016054 SHOWING CODE P0599 ALSO RECONFIRMED BY NAPA AND ADVANCE AUTO WHICH NOT PROVIDED REPORT BUT VERBALLY THE SAME ISSUES WITH WATER PUMP/THERMOSTAT/HEATER CONTROL CIRCUIT WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF OVERHEATING AND POSSIBILITY OF FIRE. LOOKING AT FREE VEHUCLE REPORT 2/2/17 STATES A RECALL FROM 01/11/2012 NHTSA CAMPAIGN 12V008000 WICH STATES THE SAME LISTED IN ERROR P0599 THE PROBLEM PRESENTED ON MY VEHICLE REASON I STOPPED DRIVING IT AVOIDING ANY POSSIBILITY OF FIRE OR CASUALTY TO MYSELF OR FAMILY MEMBERS. I CALLED BMW AND THEY MENTIONED MY BEHICLE WAS PAST THE WARRANTY AND THEY CAN NOT HONOR ANY REPAIRS FROM THIS FAULT LISTED IN THE RECALL AND DIRECTION GIVEN ON THE NHTSA REPORT. FINALLY TIRED OF POLITC I DECIDED TO PERFORM REPAIR AND I WAS CHARGED $469.99 AS STATED IN INVOICE 1MCS186357 FOR CUSTOMER 90898 ON 2/10/2017 MINI DEALER ALEXANDRIA VIRGINIA THIS IS THE SAME VEHICLE LISTED ON COMPLAINT 10971106 PANORAMIC SUNROOF WHICH I AM BEING CHARGED FOR RECALLED ITEMS. PLEASE REQUEST REFUND FOR ANY EXPENDITURES PAID TO MINI DEALERSHIPS BECAUSE I HAVE TO PAY IN ORDER TO REMOVE MY VEHICLE FROM PREMISES OR BEING TOWED OUT OF STORE.

NHTSA ID
10971166
Incident
Feb 2, 2017

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

M060226

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Control Unit PDC Return

M010616

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 186,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.

M610226

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

While performing a 12-Volt battery jump start, disconnect, or replacement, vehicle test, and/or programming procedure- the MINI Footwell Module (FRM) may become unresponsive. As a result, one or more of the following vehicle electric system-related issues may occur: Headlights including the high beams, and/or taillights are not turning on or off Interior lights are not turning on Turn indicators are not working Instrument cluster indicator lights stay on The IHKA climate control system is not working Power windows are not working Folding mirrors are not working, and/or a Functional remote-control key FOB will not unlock and lock the doors

M010616

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 186,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.

M010616

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY

The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 240,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.

M060225

SUSPENSION

SWING SUPPORT RETURN

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

MINI Cooper Countryman by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2013250038.7
2012530043.3
2011Viewing290044.6

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.