The Mini Countryman spans 2011–2026 with 23 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.0/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2025, 2018, 2019 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 2011, 2012, 2013. It delivers up to 98 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
Is the Mini Countryman a good car?
Short answer: yes, with the usual caveat about model years. Our score for the Mini Countryman is 4.0 out of 5, built from NHTSA crash-test results, how often it gets recalled and what owners actually complain about — not from reviews.
The complaint that comes up most is the electrical system — 14 of the 59 reports owners filed with NHTSA. If you're choosing a year, 2011, 2012, 2013 score best in our data, and 2025, 2018 worst.
This page describes the model. It can't tell you whether that car has an open recall, a rolled-back odometer or a branded title — for that, run its number through our free VIN check.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Mini Countryman is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2011 to 2026 across multiple generations.
How to read a Mini Countryman VIN — every digit explained
Every Mini Countryman carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Mini and the country it was built in (real Mini codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Countryman.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- —3T1 · 421
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. You can decode any VIN for free and get the year-code table, the country codes and the exact spots where the number is stamped.
How many recalls does the Mini Countryman have?
The Mini Countryman has 23 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2011–2026. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2025 Mini Countryman recalls 2
Air Bags:side/window:thorax
What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 MINI Countryman S ALL4 and JCW Countryman ALL4 vehicles. The armrest support bracket on the rear side door panel may be improperly secured, allowing the armrest to detach during an air bag deployment.
Risk. A detached armrest can strike a rear seat occupant or prevent the thorax air bag from deploying properly, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix. Dealers will replace the left and right rear side door panels, free of charge. The vehicles have not been sold from dealer inventory and therefore no owner letters will be mailed. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2023-2025 BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The integrated brake (IB) system may malfunction and result in a loss of power brake assist or cause the Antilock Brake (ABS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) systems to not function properly.
Risk. A loss of power brake assist can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle. Additionally, malfunctioning ABS and/or DSC systems can cause a loss of vehicle control. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed between June and December 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls Royce customer service at 1-877-877-3735.
2021 Mini Countryman recalls 2
Seat Belts
What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 2 Series (230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive), 330e, 330e Xdrive, 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive) M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, BMW 4 Series Convertible (430i, M440i), BMW X1 sDrive28i, xDrive28i, 2 Series Gran Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i xDrive), M2 Competition Coupe, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, M3, M3 Competition, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper, CooperS, JCW), X2 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i, X2 M35i, Z4 sDrive30i, Z4 M40i, MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper SE), MINI Convertible (Cooper, Cooper S, JCW), MINI Clubman (Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW), MINI Countryman (Cooper, Cooper All4, Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW All4), Rolls Royce Ghost, MINI Countryman (Cooper S E All4), Rolls Royce Phantom, Rolls Royce Cullinan, and Toyota Supra vehicles. The passenger seat belt Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) may deactivate early, before the webbing fully retracts. As such, these assemblies fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk. During a crash, a seat belt retractor that does not function as intended increases the risk of injury.
Fix. Dealers will inspect the seat belt retractors (including the seat belts) and, if necessary, replace the retractors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417; 1-866-825-1525 (MINI); 1-877-877-3735 (Rolls Royce); and 1-888-270-9371 (Toyota).
Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery
What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 530e iPerformance and X3 xDrive30e and MINI Cooper Countryman All4 SE, 2020 BMW i8, and 2021 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le xDrive and X5 xDrive45e vehicles. Debris may have entered one or more of the hybrid battery cells during their production.
Risk. The debris could result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury.
Fix. BMW will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery module free of charge. The remedy is currently being developed. Until the remedy is completed, drivers are instructed to not charge their vehicles. Drivers are instructed to not drive in manual mode, sport mode, and to not use the shift paddles. Owners were notified of the safety risk October 23, 2020. The recall began November 24, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2020 Mini Countryman recalls 2
Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery
What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 530e iPerformance and X3 xDrive30e and MINI Cooper Countryman All4 SE, 2020 BMW i8, and 2021 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le xDrive and X5 xDrive45e vehicles. Debris may have entered one or more of the hybrid battery cells during their production.
Risk. The debris could result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury.
Fix. BMW will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery module free of charge. The remedy is currently being developed. Until the remedy is completed, drivers are instructed to not charge their vehicles. Drivers are instructed to not drive in manual mode, sport mode, and to not use the shift paddles. Owners were notified of the safety risk October 23, 2020. The recall began November 24, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery
What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 330e and X5 xDrive45e, 2020-2021 X3 xDrive30e, and 2020 MINI Countryman SE ALL4 vehicles. Loose welding beads may form a conductive path between the hybrid battery cells which could lead to a short-circuit.
Risk. A short-circuited hybrid battery may increase the risk of a fire.
Fix. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery modules, free of charge. BMW issued owners an interim notification on October 16, 2020. Although potentially affected BMW owners received interim owner notification letters, all potentially affected BMW owner vehicles have been remedied; therefore, BMW Final owner notification letters will not be necessary. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2019 Mini Countryman recalls 2
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2017-2019 MINI Cooper Countryman vehicles. These vehicles may be missing a crash protection plate near the high pressure fuel pump, which may result in a fuel leak in the event of a crash.
Risk. Without the crash protection plate, in the event of a crash, the fuel pump can become damaged, causing a fuel leak and increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix. MINI will notify owners, and dealers will install a crash protection plate, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on October 22, 2018. Owners will receive a second notification when the repair is available. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 540d xDrive vehicles. The crankshaft sensor may be equipped with incorrect firmware, preventing the sensor from properly processing input from the crankshaft reluctor ring, possibly resulting in a vehicle stall. On September 12, 2018, BMW expanded the recall to a total of 5,309 vehicles including certain 2018-2019 BMW 540d xDrive, 230i M240i, M240i xDrive, X2 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 330i, 330i xDrive, 340i, 340i xDrive, 330i xDrive Gran Turismo, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 530e, 530e xDrive, 640i xDrive Gran Turismo, 330e, 2019 430i Gran Coupe, 430i xDrive Gran Coupe, 440i Gran Coupe, 440i xDrive Gran Coupe, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, 740i, 740i xDrive, MINI Cooper, Cooper S, JCW, MINI Countryman (Cooper, Cooper All4, Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW All4), and MINI Clubman (Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper All4, Cooper S All4, JCW All4) vehicles.
Risk. A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft sensor, free of charge. The recall began September 6, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
2018 Mini Countryman recalls 2
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2017-2019 MINI Cooper Countryman vehicles. These vehicles may be missing a crash protection plate near the high pressure fuel pump, which may result in a fuel leak in the event of a crash.
Risk. Without the crash protection plate, in the event of a crash, the fuel pump can become damaged, causing a fuel leak and increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix. MINI will notify owners, and dealers will install a crash protection plate, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on October 22, 2018. Owners will receive a second notification when the repair is available. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
Trailer Hitches
What's wrong. Curt Manufacturing LLC (Curt) is recalling certain Class 1 trailer hitches, part number 11451, sold for installation on 2016-2018 Mini Cooper Clubman and Countryman vehicles. The vehicles may have inadequate structure points for the trailer hitch mounting, causing the hitch to sag under to certain loads and possibly separate from the vehicle.
Risk. If the trailer hitch sags or separates from the vehicle, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Fix. Curt will notify owners, and dealers will provide a replacement hitch, free of charge. The recall began on October 20, 2017. Owners may contact Curt customer service at 1-800-798-0813.
2017 Mini Countryman recalls 2
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
What's wrong. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2017-2019 MINI Cooper Countryman vehicles. These vehicles may be missing a crash protection plate near the high pressure fuel pump, which may result in a fuel leak in the event of a crash.
Risk. Without the crash protection plate, in the event of a crash, the fuel pump can become damaged, causing a fuel leak and increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix. MINI will notify owners, and dealers will install a crash protection plate, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on October 22, 2018. Owners will receive a second notification when the repair is available. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
Trailer Hitches
What's wrong. Curt Manufacturing LLC (Curt) is recalling certain Class 1 trailer hitches, part number 11451, sold for installation on 2016-2018 Mini Cooper Clubman and Countryman vehicles. The vehicles may have inadequate structure points for the trailer hitch mounting, causing the hitch to sag under to certain loads and possibly separate from the vehicle.
Risk. If the trailer hitch sags or separates from the vehicle, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Fix. Curt will notify owners, and dealers will provide a replacement hitch, free of charge. The recall began on October 20, 2017. Owners may contact Curt customer service at 1-800-798-0813.
2016 Mini Countryman recalls 1
Trailer Hitches
What's wrong. Curt Manufacturing LLC (Curt) is recalling certain Class 1 trailer hitches, part number 11451, sold for installation on 2016-2018 Mini Cooper Clubman and Countryman vehicles. The vehicles may have inadequate structure points for the trailer hitch mounting, causing the hitch to sag under to certain loads and possibly separate from the vehicle.
Risk. If the trailer hitch sags or separates from the vehicle, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Fix. Curt will notify owners, and dealers will provide a replacement hitch, free of charge. The recall began on October 20, 2017. Owners may contact Curt customer service at 1-800-798-0813.
Best and worst years for the Mini Countryman
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 16 tracked years, the worst years are 2025, 2018, 2019 and the best (fewest complaints) are 2011, 2012, 2013.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Countryman | — | Best | |
| 2012 Countryman | — | Best | |
| 2013 Countryman | — | Best | |
| 2014 Countryman | — | Average | |
| 2015 Countryman | — | Average | |
| 2016 Countryman | — | Average | |
| 2017 Countryman | Electrical System | Average | |
| 2018 Countryman | Steering | Avoid | |
| 2019 Countryman | Engine | Avoid | |
| 2020 Countryman | Engine | Average | |
| 2021 Countryman | Fuel/propulsion System | Average | |
| 2022 Countryman | — | Average | |
| 2023 Countryman | — | Average | |
| 2024 Countryman | Air Bags | Average | |
| 2025 Countryman | Electrical System | Avoid | |
| 2026 Countryman | Steering | Average |
What are the most common Mini Countryman problems?
The most-reported Mini Countryman problems are Tires (1 reports), Engine (9 reports) and Wheels (2 reports) — out of 59 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Mini Countryman specifications & dimensions
The 2026 Mini Countryman measures 175″ long on a 106″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 3,777 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Mini Countryman window sticker.
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 175″ | 72″ | 65″ | 106″ | 3,777 lb |
| 2017–2023 | 170″ | 72″ | 61″ | 105″ | 3,300 lb |
| 2011–2014 | 161″ | 70″ | 61″ | 102″ | 2,855 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Mini Countryman cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Countryman holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 97 cu ft of passenger volume and 26 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Mini Countryman tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Mini Countryman get?
The Mini Countryman returns up to 98 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $800/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2027 Mini Countryman (2L 4-cyl) gets 27 mpg combined and costs about $2,850/yr to fuel, emitting 324 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 5/10) — about $3,250 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Countryman | 24 | 32 | $2,850 | 324 | — | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2026 Countryman | 24 | 32 | $2,850 | 324 | — | 2L 4-cyl | |
| 2025 Countryman | 24 | 32 | $2,850 | 323 | 6/10 | 2L 4-cyl |
The 2027 Mini Countryman gets 98 MPGe and costs about $800/yr to fuel — that's about $7,000 saved over 5 years versus the average new vehicle.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Countryman | 101 | 93 | $800 | — | — | Electric | |
| 2026 Countryman | 99 | 94 | $800 | — | — | Electric | |
| 2025 Countryman | 99 | 94 | $800 | — | 10/10 | Electric |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the Countryman stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this Countryman's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Mini Countryman have? Power & range
The Mini Countryman is offered with 2 powertrains — 2L 4-cyl, Electric. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-cyl | 2.0L · 4-cyl | Automatic (AM-S7) | AWD | Premium |
| Electric | Electric motor | Single-speed | AWD | Electricity |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Mini Countryman cost to own?
A used Mini Countryman sells for a median of about $30,999 for a 2025 — most listed between $29,555 and $31,777, from 333 real US listings we track. That real market price is what depreciation eats into, so it's the true anchor of the cost to own:
| Year | Typical price | Market range | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Countryman | $29,555–$31,777 | 6 | |
| 2022 Countryman | $15,000–$26,995 | 3 | |
| 2020 Countryman | $16,995–$17,918 | 3 | |
| 2019 Countryman | $9,180–$17,995 | 27 | |
| 2018 Countryman | $10,950–$18,206 | 12 | |
| 2017 Countryman | $8,999–$15,899 | 10 |
For every model year mileage-adjusted, trade-in vs private-party vs dealer pricing and a good-deal check, see what a Countryman is worth today, or browse used-market prices for sedans.
A Mini Countryman tends to depreciate faster than average. A typical example keeps roughly 37% of its value after five years — losing about 63% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 75% | $22,500 | −$7,500 |
| Year 2 | 63% | $18,900 | −$11,100 |
| Year 3 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 4 | 44% | $13,200 | −$16,800 |
| Year 5 | 37% | $11,100 | −$18,900 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Countryman loses about 63% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $4,000 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Countryman ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
How much is a Mini Countryman to insure?
A Mini Countryman costs about $1,107 a year to insure for a typical driver on full coverage — roughly 23% below the average car. That's from its real HLDI insurance-loss index (77, where 100 = average car); your own rate moves with state, age, record and coverage.
Estimate = US-average premium × the Countryman's HLDI loss index. See Mini insurance cost by model, cost by state, or compare any car.
Is the Mini Countryman safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Countryman yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
Tired of ads? Go Pro.
- Zero ads — clean, fast pages
- Exact mileage-adjusted car values
- Full research reports + PDF
- Market charts & price-drop alerts
- …and much more
How many miles does a Mini Countryman last?
A well-maintained Mini Countryman typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.0/5.
Check your Mini Countryman’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Countryman’s VIN free →All Mini Countryman model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Mini Countryman — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Countryman | 1 recall | — | |
| 2025 Countryman | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2024 Countryman | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2023 Countryman | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2022 Countryman | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2021 Countryman | 3 recalls | — | |
| 2020 Countryman | 3 recalls | — | |
| 2019 Countryman | 3 recalls | — | |
| 2018 Countryman | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2017 Countryman | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2016 Countryman | 1 recall | — | |
| 2015 Countryman | 0 | — | |
| 2014 Countryman | 0 | — | |
| 2013 Countryman | 0 | — | |
| 2012 Countryman | 0 | — | |
| 2011 Countryman | 0 | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Countryman?
By owner-complaint volume, 2025, 2018, 2019 drew the most reports. 2011, 2012, 2013 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Countryman have?
23 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2011–2026. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Mini recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the Countryman get?
Up to 98 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a Countryman last?
A well-maintained Countryman typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Countryman reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Countryman is 4.0/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Mini Countryman warranty?
New Mini models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Mini dealer.
Where is the Mini Countryman made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Countryman's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Mini may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much does a Countryman weigh?
The Countryman's curb weight is around 3,777 lb. Its GVWR — the maximum loaded weight — decodes from the VIN.
How much ground clearance does the Countryman have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.