Footwell Relay Module

A frequently reported problem with the MINI Cooper Countryman is random electrical problems such as headlights, taillights, and windows that work intermittently or not at all. While these components can fail, chances are if you are experiencing several of them at the same time, the likely culprit is the footwell relay module.

Bad or Worn Upper Engine Mount

A broken upper engine mount is another common complaint in the 2nd generation Countryman. Granted, they will need to be replaced eventually, but many owners have stated it was necessary after just 40,000 miles. Below are some signs that your engine mounts are worn out.

A clunking or popping sound during accelerating
A vibration is felt at idle
The engine shakes excessively

Turbocharger Failure

Turbochargers are an efficient way to boost performance, but they require periodic maintenance. Likewise, frequent oil changes are a must, and doing so will greatly extend the turbo’s life. However, the turbocharger unit used in the 1st generation (2011-2016) of Countryman and John Cooper Works was known to have a few issues. Most notably, a faulty wastegate that would not fully close when accelerating and a bad or defective diverter valve. MINI did acknowledge this problem and extended the warranty on the turbocharger for up to 10 years or 120,000 miles.

Should the wastegate or diverter valve fail on your Countryman, the most common symptom will be reduced power during hard acceleration. In addition, you may notice the following:

Grey smoke coming from the exhaust
The check engine light is illuminated
Unusual noises coming from the turbo
A rattling sound is observed near the wastegate during startup

Fuel Pump Failure

It is no secret that the 2007 to 2012 1.6L turbocharged MINIs had issues with the high-pressure fuel pump. Fortunately for the Countryman, this was mostly limited to the early S models. However, it has also been observed, albeit to a lesser degree, in naturally aspirated models. As with the motor mounts or clutch, if you own a 2011 or 2012 S, chances are the fuel pump will be on your to-do list before reaching 100,000 miles. While it is not an overly complicated procedure, the pump is fairly expensive, costing well over $500.

Routine Maintenance

Since the Countryman didn’t debut until 2011, many of the issues that affected its predecessors have been ironed out. Likewise, the 3rd generation (2014-2023) MINIs are excellent vehicles and receive high marks for reliability. The Countryman is no different in this regard, as it shares much in common with its smaller siblings.

As good as the 3rd generation MINIs are, no vehicle is perfect. Performing routine maintenance will help ensure that your Countryman provides years of trouble-free service. Things like regular oil changes can help extend the life of costly components like the engine and turbocharger. The same can be said for the transmission, coolant system, and transfer case for AWD models, and changing these vital fluids can help stave off costly repairs down the road.