2012 MINI Cooper Countryman

My 2012 MINI Countryman (R60) experienced a complete electrical shutdown and engine failure while operating due to a severe manufacturing defect. Authorized dealership Jackie Cooper MINI of Edmond diagnosed the vehicle under RO# [XXX] and confirmed in writing that the "JBE electronic connectors are heavily corroded" and "The FRM has water/corrosion damage," providing a repair estimate of $4,700 (including a specific $1,055.84 charge to replace the FRM and clean the sunroof drains). Water entering the footwell area through defective, shrinking sunroof drainage structures is the exact identical failure mechanism, component (FRM3 Module), and extreme safety/fire hazard covered under mandatory safety recall NHTSA Campaign 23V-337. However, MINI has improperly excluded the R60 Countryman model from active coverage despite it utilizing the identical electrical infrastructure and drainage engineering layout. Releasing this vehicle into traffic presents a catastrophic risk of a highway vehicle fire or sudden total loss of vehicle control and lighting at high speeds. NHTSA must expand Recall 23V-337 to include the 2012 MINI Countryman to protect consumers from these documented structural water-ingress fires. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11745835

Incident

Jun 16, 2026

My front windshield wipers stopped working suddenly while driving in the rain

NHTSA ID

11622283

Incident

Oct 28, 2024

No warning lights have come on and the car is braking on its own. I try to push the gas and it doesn't want to go. The car has around 42k miles on it. I took it to tom bush mini last week, the said the front axle was leaking some fluid, they ordererd the axle, changed all brake pads, changed the brake fluid and said it was good to go, cost about $2300. Got the car back, doing the same thing. Now they said all calipers need to be replaced and the hydro unit dsc needs to be replaced which will cost around $6400 and they can't get the hyro unit dsc or 2 months. If this was the problem why didn't they know last week? It doesn't seem like the car has enough miles to have such a big issues and no part for 2 months. I don't know what to do.

NHTSA ID

11621018

Incident

Oct 14, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11609036

Incident

Jul 28, 2024

Mileage

161,818 mi

On the evening of [XXX] at approximately [XXX] my 2012 Mini Cooper S all 4 burst into flames. The car was parked in front of my building for 6 days (we don't use the car very much) in front of my building when the all of a sudden the head lights started flashing followed by the car cabin filling with grey smoke then followed by black smoke then there was a flash (spark?) and the entire cabin the became engulfed in flames. All of this has been captured by our building security camera. I reported the incident the following day to Mini/BMW customer care. I've been sharing emails with Thomas Lula who is investigating the "thermal event" INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11577096

Incident

Mar 4, 2024

There is a recall existing for my car, by VIN mine is not included, however I have the exact same problem. Water in the driver side foot well electrical panel which has caused a fault in the lighting, hazard lights, and battery issue. The car cannot be driven because the hazard lights and daytime running lights will not turn off even with the key out. Running out the battery in the process. The mechanic found water and corrosion inside the electrical housing.

NHTSA ID

11576223

Incident

Mar 6, 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road. The vehicle was able to restart after several attempts but had not started since. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11574533

Incident

Jan 28, 2024

While traveling on the highway at speed, the forward (retractable) sunroof exploded with no apparent provocation or warning. When the failure occurred there was a loud bang followed by glass forcefully raining down into the front and back seat area of the vehicle. There were no vehicles immediately ahead, and no overpasses or trees from which something could have fallen. The driver immediately slowed but did not swerve and there were no other vehicles close by so there was no secondary incident. The glass from the roof continued to fall on subsequent bumps in the road until all of the loose glass had fallen. The size of the glass pieces varied in size and sharpness greatly, with some pieces being very small clear slivers (causing mild cut to hand when exiting the vehicle). In addition when exiting the vehicle a piece of glass from the sunroof found its way into the driver's seatbelt fastener and as a result can no longer be buckled. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by anyone and is available for inspection on request.

NHTSA ID

11550092

Incident

Oct 15, 2023

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.

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

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.

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.

Hot-Film Air Mass Meter Return

Customer complains of a musty odor or damp front footwell carpet.