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Known Faults Database

MINI Countryman problems, reliability and years to avoid

If you are considering buying a used MINI Countryman, these are the common problems worth knowing about first. Our garage database tracks 2 known faults for this model, 2 of them rated high severity. Every one below is a repair bill a seller has good reason not to mention.

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Is the MINI Countryman reliable?

The MINI Countryman has 2 known faults in our database across 2 generations, 2 of them rated high severity. The most serious are engine (timing chain stretch, hydraulic tensioner failure) and engine (post-2010 MINI diesels use the BMW N47, which carries the same rear-mounted timing chain). None of them makes the car a bad buy on its own; the risk is a seller who knows and says nothing.

That is a count of the faults we hold, not a reliability score. Popular cars get written about more, and a newer generation has had less time to show its faults.

Which MINI Countryman years should you avoid?

No year is a write-off on its own. What matters is which serious faults a given year and engine can have, and whether the car in front of you has had them fixed.

R60, 2010 to 20162 high severity
2 known faults, the serious ones in the engine
F60, 2017 to 2024
No faults on record yet

Years and engines with a serious known fault

  • 2006 to 2016, 1.4 / 1.6 Petrol (BMW/PSA Prince family: N12 / N16 non-turbo, including the 2007-2010 One 1.4 and the later One 1.6, N14 / N18 turbo); not the R50/R53 Tritec cars, the diesels or the 2014-on B38/B48 cars: timing chain stretch, hydraulic tensioner failure
  • 2011 to 2015, 1.6 / 2.0 Diesel (BMW N47) - Cooper D, Cooper SD, One D: post-2010 MINI diesels use the BMW N47, which carries the same rear-mounted

Each one is set out in full below, with the symptoms, the typical mileage and a rough repair cost.

Generation 1 of 22 known faults · 18 owner reports · 2 good notes

MINI Countryman R60 (2010 to 2016) problems

Engine/EmissionsHigh severity📝 Editorial

Timing chain stretch, hydraulic tensioner failure and cracked plastic guide rails on the BMW/PSA 'Prince' 1.6 petrol, giving the notorious 'death rattle' on cold start and, if ignored, a jumped or snapped chain. This is a Prince family fault rather than a Cooper S one. The turbocharged N14 (2006-2010) is the worst of the four and is the engine most death rattle articles are describing, but the naturally aspirated N12 (2006-2010) and N16 (2010-2016) fitted to the plain One and Cooper use the same chain, hydraulic tensioner and guide rails, and UK MINI specialists sell the chain and tensioner job as a named repair for both of them. The turbo N18 (2010-2016) got a revised tensioner and some specialists treat it as cured, though failures are still reported

Rough guide
£800-1500

Typical symptoms

  • loud metallic 'death rattle' on cold start
  • engine management light (cam timing codes)
  • limp mode

Affected vehicles

Engines:
1.4 / 1.6 Petrol (BMW/PSA Prince family: N12 / N16 non-turbo, including the 2007-2010 One 1.4 and the later One 1.6, N14 / N18 turbo); not the R50/R53 Tritec cars, the diesels or the 2014-on B38/B48 cars
Typical mileage:
40000-80000 miles
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Engine/EmissionsHigh severity💬 Owner reports

Post-2010 MINI diesels use the BMW N47, which carries the same rear-mounted timing chain weakness as the BMW cars: the chain sits behind the flywheel, the guides break up and the chain stretches or snaps. Owners report failures from as early as 50,000 miles, though many run past 100,000. Because the chain is at the back, the gearbox or engine has to come out, so even a preventative job runs 1800-2400 pounds, and a snapped chain bends valves and turns it into an engine rebuild. Buyers checking a Cooper D often do not realise it is a BMW engine with this history. MINI moved from a PSA diesel to the N47 in the autumn 2010 facelift (the Countryman had the N47 from its 2010 launch), so a 2010 Hatch or Clubman diesel needs its engine confirming: the earlier PSA engine has a cambelt and different faults

Rough guide
£1800-3500

Typical symptoms

  • rattle or rhythmic scraping from the back of the engine, worst on cold start
  • engine management light with timing or camshaft correlation codes
  • sudden loss of power or catastrophic failure, sometimes with no warning noise

Affected vehicles

Engines:
1.6 / 2.0 Diesel (BMW N47) - Cooper D, Cooper SD, One D
Typical mileage:
50000-110000 miles
4 more owner reports back this up
  • July 2022A 2013 MINI Countryman with a 2.0 N47 diesel engine suffered a timing chain failure, which caused extensive engine damage.
  • November 2019The timing chain of a MINI Countryman's 2.0 N47 diesel engine failed without warning at 54,000 miles, despite regular servicing.
  • July 2018The N47 engine of a 2012 MINI Countryman 2.0SD failed at 48,000 miles, with BMW contributing to the £10,000 replacement cost.
  • May 2018The N47 diesel engine of a MINI Countryman SD ALL4 failed suddenly at 85,000 miles, with a replacement engine quoted at £13,500.
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What owners report on the R60

18 single reports, unconfirmed

One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.

  • Electrics · November 2019The stop/start system on a MINI Countryman diesel stopped working, with the battery suspected as the cause.
  • Engine · June 2019A 2014 MINI Countryman at 55,000 miles had an engine problem where the timing chain failed to rotate the camshaft, possibly due to stretching.
  • Gearbox and clutch · March 2019The transfer box of a 2014 MINI Countryman Cooper S All4 failed at 20,850 miles, possibly due to tyre tread depth disparity.
  • Engine · August 2018A 2012 MINI Countryman suffered engine failure at 71,000 miles after using more oil and an amber warning light appeared.
  • Cooling · June 2018A 2014 MINI Countryman Cooper S required a new water pump, housing, and pulley at 26,000 miles due to surface cracks.
  • Gearbox and clutch · March 2018The centre clutch of a 2014 MINI Countryman 1.6TD ALL4 failed at 26,000 miles, with a £2,467 replacement cost due to independent servicing.
  • Gearbox and clutch · January 2018A 2013 MINI Cooper D ALL4 Countryman experienced transfer box failure at 28,000 miles, with a repair quote of £2,114.
  • Gearbox and clutch · October 2017A 2012 MINI Countryman ALL4 experienced clutch and dual-mass flywheel failure at 22,500 miles, with a £2,000 replacement cost.
  • Fuel system · January 2017A 2014 petrol MINI Countryman Cooper S had a strong fuel smell inside and outside the cabin, with reduced fuel economy.
  • Engine · January 2017A 2013 MINI Countryman 2.0d ALL4 experienced a jolting feeling at slow speeds and an EGR valve failure at 22,500 miles.
  • Gearbox and clutch · October 2016The clutch of a MINI Cooper S Countryman All4 failed at 37,000 miles, requiring replacement of the clutch and dual-mass flywheel for £2,000.
  • Gearbox and clutch · October 2016The clutch of a 2014 MINI Countryman All4 John Cooper Works failed at 11,500 miles.
  • Gearbox and clutch · April 2016The clutch and dual-mass flywheel of an approved used MINI Countryman failed after six months at 30,000 miles.
  • Engine · January 2016A 2010 MINI Countryman ALL4 developed significant oil leaks at 44,000 miles, and an ABS wheel sensor detached.
  • Engine · March 2015The oil solenoid seal of a 2011 MINI Countryman Cooper S leaked at 55,000 miles, contaminating the main control unit; fixed for £1,500.
  • Bodywork · May 2014A MINI Countryman purchased in 2011 leaked from new due to faulty windscreen and door seals, and an air conditioning pipe.
  • Engine · April 2013Short runs and long service intervals can cause condensation in the sump and rocker cover, emulsifying oil and blocking oilways in turbo petrol engines.
  • Engine · March 2012Low fuel pump pressure in the 1.6 petrol engine may lead to low oil pump pressure, starving the timing chain of oil.

What owners like about the R60

2 notes
  • The MINI Countryman achieved a 5-star Euro NCAP rating, with 84% for adult protection and 83% for child protection.
  • The 5-seater MINI Countryman genuinely accommodates five adults, with surprisingly good entry and egress to the rear seats.
Generation 2 of 20 known faults · 9 owner reports · 12 good notes

MINI Countryman F60 (2017 to 2024): owner reports

What owners report on the F60

9 single reports, unconfirmed

One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.

  • Fuel system · July 2023A 2021 MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 with 12,000 miles developed a drivetrain fault and lumpy tickover, requiring all injectors to be replaced.
  • Electrics · June 2020A 2018 Countryman displayed a yellow triangle service alert, with the dealer proposing to replace the steering wheel due to corrosion.
  • Bodywork · January 2020The panoramic sunroof of a 2018 MINI Cooper Countryman shattered when the driver's door was slammed, with replacement estimated at £4,696.
  • Electrics · October 2019The satnav of a 2018 MINI Countryman 1.5 DCT exaggerated problem reporting, displaying minor obstacles as massive dangers on the screen.
  • Electrics · August 2019Delivery of a new MINI Countryman PHEV was delayed because a faulty KLE Charge Control Unit needed replacement before collection.
  • Electrics · July 2019The 'driving assistant pack' in a new 2019 MINI Countryman malfunctioned, with the dealer declaring no fault found after inspection.
  • Brakes · January 2019The autonomous emergency brakes of a 2018 MINI Countryman suddenly locked on, causing the car to skid and the steering wheel to lock.
  • Electrics · February 2018The remote key of a 2017 MINI Countryman repeatedly failed, first due to battery failure and then with a new battery.
  • Bodywork · September 2017A 2017 MINI Countryman with 2,200 miles had wet carpets and mould in both front footwells, requiring dealer investigation for the leak.

What owners like about the F60

12 notes
  • The Countryman offers four doors, a wide-opening rear hatch, and an elevated seating position for improved comfort, while retaining the characteristic 'go-kart' feel.
  • The front end is positioned almost upright to optimise pedestrian safety, with large windows and four doors emphasising the car's extra interior space.
  • An elevated seating position provides comfortable access and an optimised all-round view for the driver, with a versatile centre rail for storage.
  • The Countryman offers generous legroom, headroom, and shoulder room for superior comfort on long journeys, with flexible rear seating increasing luggage capacity to 1,170 litres.
  • The optional ALL4 all-wheel drive system offers high-traction agile handling, distributing up to 100 per cent of engine power to the rear wheels in extreme conditions.
  • The body structure features defined load paths and deformation zones for high passive safety, including multiple airbags and ISOFIX child seat fastenings as standard.
  • The MINI Countryman is considered the most involving family crossover to drive, offering an engaging experience.
  • The MINI Countryman features a very spacious cabin and a generous boot, providing ample room for occupants and luggage.
  • The Countryman offers a cracking range of engines, with the three-cylinder petrol in the Cooper being particularly notable.
  • All MINI Countryman models are available with four-wheel drive, offering enhanced traction and capability.
  • The MINI Countryman maintains a pleasingly quirky character, standing out in a segment often lacking in unique design.
  • The MINI Countryman achieved a five-star Euro NCAP rating, with 90% for adult occupancy and 80% for child occupancy.

Sellers rarely admit these faults outright

We track 5 specific phrases sellers use in adverts to soft-pedal these exact issues. Paste any MINI Countryman advert and we check it in seconds.

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MINI Countryman recalls

Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. These are the 10 DVSA recalls for the Countryman, newest first. They do not tell you whether this particular car has had the work: for that, put the registration into the free GOV.UK MOT history check, which shows a recall status where the manufacturer shares it, or ask a franchised dealer to check the VIN.

🏛️ July 2026Cars built July 2010 to June 2014

Adaption Measure for the Emission Control System R60 / R61 N47T

For certain vehicles BMW Group has developed a package of measures (hardware and software) for the emission control system of the MINI R60/R61.

Put right by: Installation of the hardware package including the required software measures

DVSA R/2026/28416,682 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ October 2025Cars built August 2025 to September 2025

Seat Belt Rear Outer Seats

On affected vehicles either one or both of the outer most rear seats may not have been manufactured correctly and the sensitivity sensor may be deformed. If the sensor is not functioning correctly there is a risk the seat belt may not operate as intended.

Put right by: On affected vehicles the affected seatbelts will be checked and replaced.

DVSA R/2025/444490 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ September 2025Cars built June 2025 to July 2025

Front Seat Belt Retractor

On affected vehicles the front seat belts may have damage to the torsion bar caused during manufacture. The retention function of the seat belt may not perform as expected in the event of an accident.

Put right by: Affected vehicles will have the affected seatbelts replaced.

DVSA R/2025/399372 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ July 2025Cars built June 2025 to June 2025

Checking the Threaded Connection of Grounding Cable PCU48

On affected vehicles the ground connection cable on the 48V power supply control unit may not have been torqued to the correct specification.

Put right by: Affected vehicles will have the ground connection checked and re-torqued. If required the relevant cable and Power Control Unit will be replaced.

DVSA R/2025/268141 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ November 2024Cars built May 2024 to May 2024

Rework Front End Threaded Connection (MINI)

On affected vehicles the screws connecting the front end to the vehicles body may have been tightened to a torque level lower than required.

Put right by: The screws will be replaced if necessary and correctly torqued.

DVSA R/2024/4531 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ October 2024Cars built April 2024 to June 2024

Hydraulic Brake System Unit Replacement

On affected vehicles the brake servomotor was improperly welded. The weld seam might not withstand the stresses caused under high brake pressure leading to a requirement for a higher brake effort increasing the braking distance.

Put right by: Affected vehicles will have the hydraulic unit of the brake system replaced.

DVSA R/2024/41521 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ September 2024Cars built June 2023 to July 2024

Integrated Braking System

On certain vehicles the Integrated Brake (IB) system may be impaired due to contamination between electrical contacts.

Put right by: Vehicles that may be affected by contamination are required to have the vehicle's software updated which can detect signal interference before it occurs. If symptoms are detected you should refrain from use of the vehicle and the affected Integrated Brake (IB) system component will be replaced.

DVSA R/2024/3856,227 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ June 2024Cars built January 2024 to March 2024

Replace Rear Door Panel

On affected vehicles the armrest on the rear door trim may not be secured to the correct specification which could damage side air bag during deployment

Put right by: On affected vehicles the affected rear door trim will be replaced

DVSA R/2024/2488 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ March 2022Cars built January 2022 to March 2022

The micro gas generator within the front seatbelt's retractor may have been damaged

The micro gas generator within the front seatbelts retractor may have been damaged and may not act according to the specification in the event of an accident.

Put right by: On the affected vehicles the front seatbelts will be checked and replaced if they are found to have been damaged.

DVSA R/2022/0901,441 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ August 2013Cars built August 2010 to March 2013

Risk of fire

In certain conditions moisture could gain entry into the wiring connector that powers the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) and the EPS unit. This moisture can then in very rare cases penetrate the EPS through the ground pin and cause overheating of the ground connector pin which can in turn lead to fire.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the supplementary wiring harness with one that has an improved connector sealing arrangement.

DVSA R/2013/07719,168 vehicles affected in the UK

Recall data published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency under the Open Government Licence v3.0. A recall listed here may not apply to every car of this model: the build dates and the registration check are what decide it.

MINI Countryman timing chain, and service intervals

A timing chain has no change interval, which is not the same as lasting for ever. Listen for it on a used Countryman, and check the oil has been changed on time. These are the figures UK specialists work to.

Timing chainChain
1.6 TURBO, 1.6 PETROL, N14, N18
No fixed replacement interval

The N14/N18 Prince engines use a timing chain that is notorious for stretching and tensioner failure ('death rattle'). It often needs replacing before 60,000 miles if rattling on cold start.

Always confirm against the vehicle handbook. Intervals vary by engine, and several manufacturers revised theirs after failures in service.

Repair costs are typical UK ranges, not quotes. Actual cost depends on condition and garage.Data last verified: October 2026

MINI Countryman buying questions

Which MINI Countryman years should I avoid?

No MINI Countryman year is a write-off, but the R60 (2010 to 2016) carries the most serious faults: engine. The F60 (2017 to 2024) has none rated high severity. Year matters less than whether the specific car has had the known fixes, so check the history for them.

What should I check when viewing a used MINI Countryman?

Ask the seller about the engine faults on this page and whether they have been fixed, with invoices. On the test drive watch for loud metallic 'death rattle' on cold start and rattle or rhythmic scraping from the back of the engine, worst on cold start. Read the MOT history for repeat advisories, then paste the advert into the free check, which reads it against its known faults before you travel. Check a MINI Countryman advert →

Are there any recalls on the MINI Countryman?

The DVSA lists 10 safety recalls for the MINI Countryman issued between 2013 and 2026. The most recent, from July 2026, is "Adaption Measure for the Emission Control System R60 / R61 N47T". Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. This list is by model, so it cannot tell you whether one particular car has had the work: the free GOV.UK MOT history check shows a recall status from the registration where the manufacturer shares it, and a franchised dealer can check the VIN.

What is the real MPG of a MINI Countryman?

Owners report 40.8 mpg on average across the MINI Countryman engines with data, about 80% of the official combined figure. The gap between official and real-world economy varies a lot by engine, so the Real MPG page lists every engine and generation separately, from 889 owner submissions. MINI Countryman Real MPG by engine →

Looking at a MINI Countryman right now? Check the advert before you go and see it.

Where this MINI Countryman fault data comes from

If you used to check the Honest John “Good & Bad” section before the site closed in 2026, this page is where that information now lives. We rebuilt the MINI Countryman owner-report history from the archived Honest John dataset, added our own research, specialist and owner-club sources and DVSA recall data, and we keep it free. Each fault above is badged with its source. The same data feeds our free advert check, which reads a listing against every known fault for the exact engine and year.

CarAdCheck is not affiliated with Honest John or Volkswagen Financial Services. What happened to Honest John, and where each feature lives now.

Before you go and see it

Knowing what a MINI Countryman goes wrong with is half of it. The rest is reading the advert and checking the car's history before you hand any money over.

How to haggle for a used car: negotiate the price with what its records show13 min readHPI check vs carVertical: which is better, and our pick for a UK car9 min readMOT advisories explained: how to check them, and which ones should worry you12 min read
All buyer's guides →

Other MINI models

Hatch5 known faultsClubman3 known faultsPaceman2 known faults