2020 Mini Countryman problems
The Mini Countryman, also called Mini Crossover in Japan, is a subcompact crossover SUV, the first vehicle of this type to be launched by BMW under the Mini marque. It was launched in 2010 and received a facelift in 2014. The second generation vehicle was released in 2017.
Pre-production concepts
The Mini Crossover Concept previewed the design of the Countryman. It has four doors (2 right swing open, 1 left swing open, 1 left lift/sliding) and four single seats. It was unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show.
The 2010 Mini Beachcomber Concept was based on the Crossover Concept and the Mini Countryman, with no doors and no conventional roof. It included ALL4 all-wheel drive and offroad wheels. It was unveiled at the 2010 North American International Auto Show.
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Common 2020 Mini Countryman problems
The 2020 MINI Countryman has been known to have a few common problems, primarily related to the transmission and recalls.
Transmission issues are a common complaint among MINI Countryman owners, with numerous models being susceptible to problems such as abnormal noises, delayed shifting, excessive vibrations, and acceleration jumps. It is recommended to check the transmission regularly for any potential issues.
In terms of recalls, the 2020 Mini Cooper Countryman has two known recalls. The most common recall is for Hybrid Battery Short Circuits Causing Fire Hazard. This recall affects hybrid battery systems that may have short circuits, posing a fire risk.
Additionally, the Mini Cooper Countryman has an average annual repair cost of $880, which is higher than average for subcompact cars. While repairs are more frequent than average for the Cooper Countryman, these issues are often minor, so you can expect to make slightly more trips to the shop than normal.
It is important to note that the 2020 MINI Countryman has no reported problems, but if you are experiencing an issue with your vehicle, it is recommended to let RepairPal know to learn more about what could be causing it.
In summary, the 2020 MINI Countryman has common problems related to transmission issues and recalls. Regular transmission checks and staying up-to-date with recalls can help prevent potential issues. While the average annual repair cost is higher than average, the issues are often minor and can be addressed with regular maintenance and repairs.
What are common faults with Mini Countryman?
What are the most common problems with a used Mini Countryman hatchback?
- Crankshaft sensor. A problem with the crankshaft sensor of some examples built from 19 May and 9 June 2018 could lead to the engine going into an emergency reduced power mode and limiting performance. ...
- Swivel bearings. ...
- Crash protection plate.
Is Mini Countryman a reliable car?
The Countryman has actually placed in the top spot for reliability on some popular surveys, while driver reviews are also positive. The Countryman seems to be a great indication that Mini has left behind any reliability issues it had in earlier years.
Are Mini Cooper Countryman expensive to maintain?
Mini Cooper owners pay an average of $850 per year in repair and maintenance costs. The cost is significantly higher than the average repair and maintenance cost of $652 for all models. Another factor that further reduces the reliability ratings for the Mini Cooper is the repair frequency.
Is it expensive to fix a Mini Countryman?
MINI Countryman Maintenance Costs. A MINI Countryman will cost about $7,460 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service. This beats the industry average for popular SUV models by $1,673. There is also a 21.93% chance that a Countryman will require a major repair during that time.
2020 Mini Countryman car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mini Countryman problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
- Structure problems
- Tires problems
- Wheels problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2020 Mini Countryman vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2020 Mini Countryman complaints
The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2020 Mini Countryman.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-05-13
- VIN: WMZYU7C06L3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: At 11,336 my vehicle started shutting down when I was stopped at intersections, red lights, and in stopped traffic. The vehicle continued to do this until 40,817 when if finally shut down and would not restart and had to be towed back to the dealership. I began reporting the issue at 11,336 and continued to report it to the dealership and finally forced them to do a complete diagnostics at 12,667 to figure out why the vehicle was shutting down. The vehicle was extremely dangerous to operate and I had many near misses with my children in the car every time I had to start my dead car in traffic. Mini/BMW could not identify the problem and sent me on my way. Even at 40,917 miles and tsar engineers could not identify why it shut down so they began swapping out the EME (twice), the high voltage lines, black box and several other components. 5 months of repairing my vehicle they were able to get it running and returned it to me. Since BMW has agreed to buy the car back at a loss to me. I'd make more money trading in but the car is unsafe and I do not want another owner or drivers to be put in danger.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-02-24
- VIN: WMZYW7C05L3
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TRUNK/REAR HATCH POWER LIFT WILL ENAGE IF KEY FOB HAS HATCH BUTTON PRESSED WHILE CAR IS IN DRIVE OR IN MOTION. HATCH WILL RAISE CREATING SITUATION WHERE OBJECTS CAN FALL OUT OF THE VEHICLE. DISCUSSION WITH DEALER REVEALED OTHERS HAVE SAME ISSUE ONLY ON THE COUNTRYMAN MODELS AND DEALER DOES NOT HAVE ACCESS TO FIX THE SOFTWARE.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-12-22
- VIN: Wmzyw7c06L3
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: 225 /45 R19 Uneven wear of the tires. Excessive wear inspite of brand new vehicle, 2 wheel alignments done on the vehicle in an attempt to stop the excessive wear of the tires. The Front right side tire collapsed causing my car to veer into a curb. The other three tires have less than 20% thread and the mileage in the vehicle is only 9000 miles. The vehicle was purchased new In June 2020 and came equipped with the tires. This malfunction and poor manufactured caused not only a financial problem In having to replace all four tires prematurely, but also place my safety and others are risk.
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-07-08
- VIN: WMZYX1C02L3
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: MY 2020 AWD MINI COOPER COUNTRYMAN WAS SOLD TO ME WITH "PERFORMANCE" TIRES; NO DISCLOSURE OF THIS FACT WAS PROVIDED DURING THE SALES PROCESS. SOON AFTER TAKING POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE, ONE TIRE PICKED UP A NAIL CAUSING LOSS OF PRESSURE. DURING THE PROCESS OF FIXING THE PROBLEM, I LEARNED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD PERFORMANCE TIRES AS EVIDENCED BY THE SMOOTH TREAD AND LATER VERIFICATION FROM MY MINI SALES PERSON. BECAUSE I LIVE IN MARYLAND, A STATE WITH A DISTINCTIVE WINTER SEASON, MY RESEARCH CONFIRMED THAT PERFORMANCE TIRES (ALSO KNOW AS SUMMER TIRES) ARE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS IN COLD WEATHER. IT BECAME APPARENT THAT THE TIRES NEEDED REPLACED FOR MY SAFETY. I COMPLETED THIS AT MY OWN EXPENSE. I BELIEVE THAT MINI COOPER, WITHOUT COMPUNCTION, PUT MY LIFE IN DANGER. I QUESTION HOW MANY ACCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED IN THESE CARS DURING COLD WEATHER WITHOUT RECOGNITION THAT THE TIRES MIGHT HAVE BEEN THE SOURCE. IT WOULD APPEAR THAT IT IS A STANDARD PRACTICE IN "MINI WORLD" TO SELL MANY CARS THIS WAY. I REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO MINI AND WAS ASSURED THAT A COMPLAINT REPORT WOULD BE SUBMITTED. I REQUESTED A FOLLOW UP CONCERNING MINI'S RESPONSE TO MY COMPLAINT AND WAS TOLD THAT I WOULD RECEIVE NONE AND SHOULD NOT EXPECT IT. SUBMITTING A "REPORT" WAS THE END OF THE ISSUE AS FAR AS MINI CUSTOMER SERVICE WAS CONCERNED. IT IS MY FIRM BELIEF THAT ANY CAR SOLD WITH PERFORMANCE TIRES SHOULD COME WITH A CLEAR DISCLOSURE SIGNED BY THE BUYER FOR SAFETY REASONS. IDEALLY, MINI COOPER SHOULD STOP THE PRACTICE ALL TOGETHER. PLEASE INVESTIGATE; SAVE A LIFE!
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-02-01
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: WMZYX1C04L3
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING IN 10 DEGREE F WEATHER, THE MINI COUNTRYMAN OVERHEATED WITHIN 3 MILES OF DRIVING FROM ORIGINALLY TURNING THE CAR ON (10 MINUTES OF RUN TIME). THE DEALERSHIP NOTED THAT A ROCK PASSED THROUGH THE GRILL THAT PROTECTS THE AUXILLARY COOLING RADIATOR AND DAMAGED THE RADIATOR, CAUSING A LEAK. THE NEW 2021 MINI COUNTRYMAN CARS CONTAIN A ROCK GUARD OVER THE GRILL BECAUSE THEY RECOGNIZE THIS AS A DANGEROUS PROBLEM, BUT THEY HAVE NOT FIXED THE PROBLEM WITH ANY CAR FROM A PREVIOUS YEAR. A SIMPLE ROCK GUARD HAVING BEEN INSTALLED IS A VERY INEXPENSIVE AND CHEAP SOLUTION THAT MINI DOES NOT TELL CUSTOMERS ABOUT UNTIL THEIR CAR OVERHEATS AND THE BILL IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THIS SITUATION WAS DANGEROUS BECAUSE IT LEFT THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS STRANDED IN FREEZING WEATHER, WHERE ONE PERSON BECAME BORDERLINE HYPOTHERMIC (95F BODY TEMPERATURE).
2020 Mini Countryman recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2020 Mini Countryman.
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: The debris could result in a short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire or injury.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: A short-circuited hybrid battery may increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: 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.
Negative 2020 Mini Countryman car reviews
Positive 2020 Mini Countryman car reviews
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We leased a 2018 Countryman ALL 4 Cooper S for my wife, who had been driving an Explorer for years. She was tired of the same boring SUV style that everyone else has, so we decided to go for the Mini. After test driving many of them, we found that the S model with the 2.0 liter inline four was the way to go. Although it has a firm ride, it's still a blast to drive, and after 18 months and 14,000 miles, everyone loves the looks of it. The run flat tires make the ride firmer than it needs to be, but it hugs corners and just makes you want to drive fast. It's very quick, although I think the two-door Cooper S models are a bit faster. It has an amazing amount of room inside for the kids in the back seat. The high-pressure fuel pump was replaced at 6,000 miles, but the dealer in Highlands Ranch, CO was great to work with since it was under warranty. My wife doesn't typically care about cars, but she loves this one. We decided to lease it because I'm nervous about the potential reliability issues down the road. We would like to keep it, so we'll see how it does over the next 18 months.
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This car is a significant improvement in drivability compared to my previous models from 2015 and 2013. The controls inside are of higher quality and the ride quality, noise, vibration, harshness, and overall livability have all been upgraded. However, I have had some issues with the leatherette upholstery on the driver's seat. This is the third MINI I have owned where the leatherette has broken down and cracked. Fortunately, the driver's seat cover was replaced under warranty on my previous MINIs, and I am hoping for the same outcome with my 2018 model. Despite this issue, I still believe that MINI is a premium make and I am overall satisfied with my purchase.
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This SUV is truly one-of-a-kind! While the cabin space may be a bit small, it's not an issue for me since my wife has her own car. Plus, with the back seats down, I can still easily load up all my latest Home Depot purchases. The tech inside is really cool and the ride is super comfortable. There are so many great features and all at a really competitive price. I've received plenty of compliments on this unique and fun ride and I feel really good about my purchase!
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I'm so glad to hear that you bought this car for your kids and that everyone loves it! It sounds like it has just the right amount of power for inexperienced drivers, and the high-quality finishings and comfortable seating make it even better. Plus, it's great to hear that there's more cargo room than expected for a small SUV.
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I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying your Mini PHEV! It's a car with heaps of charm and character, and it's truly a driver's car. It's also great to hear that it's safe and fuel efficient, especially if you charge it as often as you can. It seems like everyone who sees it likes it, which is always a good sign. While it may not be the cheapest option out there, it's definitely good value for money. If you choose the plug-in hybrid, you'll also benefit from low tax. And the best part? You won't have to worry about range anxiety, as long as you charge and drive it wisely. Plus, you'll get to enjoy the soothing and quiet electric drivetrain a lot. It's interesting to think about why the similarly priced Outlander sells so much better, but at the end of the day, what matters most is that you're happy with your choice!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2020 Mini Countryman problems:
2020 MINI Countryman Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2020 MINI Countryman? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 ...
Which Year Models of Used MINI Countryman to Avoid - CoPilot
Apr 25, 2023 ... Transmission problems - Numerous Countryman models are susceptible to transmission issues. Common symptoms include abnormal noises, delayed ...
Countryman Common Problems - North American Motoring
Apr 24, 2018 ... They all have the N18 engine so none of the bad engine problems you are thinking of with the N14 like your 07 had. Its still a Mini. Things like ...
Honest Opinions on Mini + Reliability : r/MINI
Jul 20, 2021 ... I also have a 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman S. ... A lot of the reliability issues ... I'm about to buy a perviously owned 2020 or newer jcw, loving ...
Mini Cooper S Reliability on newer and newest models (2019-2021 ...
May 16, 2021 ... Common issues are the top motor mount, for this a new one was released late last year ( my 10/20 build has the new one. Also front control arms ...
Other years of Mini Countryman
Are you having problems with your 2020 Mini Countryman?
Curt Gutkowski 2025-05-19
I recently purchased a Mini hybrid without doing any research beforehand. However, my previous experience with the Mini brand and the dealership made me confident in my decision. Unfortunately, I was mistaken about the car's fuel economy and was disappointed to find out that it did not meet my expectations. Although I wish I had done more research before making the purchase, I am still grateful for my positive experience with the dealership. While the car may not be the right fit for me, I understand that it may work well for others with different driving needs. Overall, I encourage anyone considering a Mini hybrid to do their research and make an informed decision based on their individual needs.If you're someone who enjoys zipping from 0-60 in just a few minutes, or if you prioritize style over practicality, or if you're a busy parent whose child isn't on a travel team, or if you're lucky enough to have a grocery store within walking distance, or if you simply enjoy a leisurely drive, then this car might just be the perfect fit for you! It's cute and gives the illusion of great fuel economy. I drove my child to school in it, which is only about a 3-mile round trip, and I was able to achieve an average speed of 21 MPH and an impressive 34.4 MPG in 'Eco Green' mode. I mainly use this car to express my dissatisfaction with it, so if you see me driving around, feel free to give a little honk! Mine is the one with the prominent 'Buyer Beware' signs all over it. Please don't judge me for not having done my homework before purchasing this car - I already feel foolish enough as it is. Also, please don't make any unrealistic recommendations that I won't be able to implement. The salesman was a good guy, the dealership is nice, and the car is cute, but what I really wanted was a vehicle with good gas mileage like my previous hybrid. I didn't like that car, but at least the gas mileage was good. I was also hoping for a car that offered a better driving experience. Unfortunately, there were a few things that I didn't notice during the test drive. For example, the toggles are cute but become non-functional if a drink, like a water bottle, is placed in the cupholder as it blocks the toggles. Additionally, the power windows squeal when being put down, and the automatic lift gate only works occasionally and only after my shin is covered in grease from attempting to open it. It doesn't work at all for closing the liftgate. The dash is made of a strange material that attracts and holds dust, and the cargo capacity is small when the back seats are up. Lastly, the owner's manual is not very helpful, and I'm still trying to figure out how to use the online manual. To optimize mileage, multiple steps are required to program for efficiency, which can be a bit of a hassle while driving. Overall, this car has its flaws, but it's still a decent option for those who prioritize style over practicality and don't mind a few inconveniences.A single button or toggle would be more user-friendly than the confusing controls on the round knob. It seems that Mini recognized this issue, as they included redundant buttons to bypass the knob and quickly access functions such as turning on the radio. It would have been simpler if they had designed the knob to turn on the radio with the on/off button. Although I have 40 years of driving experience, I still struggled with the car's functionality. Mini offered to send a Unicorn Engineer to teach me how to drive it, but I have not heard anything further about this. If you plan to purchase this car, be prepared to spend some time at the dealer for a class on functionality. If you are looking for a car that offers a nice driving experience and good economy at a reasonable price, you may want to consider other options.
Cicero Hilpert 2025-03-04
Our salesman, Ryan George in Palm Harbor, Florida, originally mentioned that the mileage would be about 65 miles per gallon, which was also advertised. This was appealing to us as I do a lot of driving in my business. However, the mileage is much less than expected or advertised, with only 38.7 mpg in less than 1,000 miles. Even when fully charged, the battery gets less than 15 miles before switching over to the engine. We are disappointed with the performance and are currently checking on Facebook to see if other people are having similar results. If we find 100 or more people, we may consider bringing a class action suit against Mini Cooper/BMW for false advertising. I am a little embarrassed too, as I told a lot of clients and friends that I was going to do this because of the mileage as well as the overall appearance and performance of the Countryman. With such a disappointing performance, I really can't justify the investment.
Ross Bechtelar 2024-10-08
Hello there! We just wanted to let you know that there might be some discrepancies between the advertised features of this car and its actual condition. We suggest you take a closer look before making a purchase.
Lonnie Collier 2024-09-11
I would like to share our experience with our 2019 Countryman lease with option to buy. Although we have driven it for about 2 years and 8 months and have covered 62,000 miles, we have had some issues with it. Recently, the sunroof cable that closes and opens the sunroof broke and since it had 60k miles when we took it, it was out of warranty. We were disappointed to learn that it would cost $850.00 to repair it. Additionally, we were informed that it needed new motor mounts, which would cost $1,500.00. We have also had to replace all four tires, all brakes, and two roots. Recently, we have had to jump start it a few times and have been unable to find a battery for it. We contacted the dealer, but the closest appointment available is 7 days from now. Although we have had some issues with our car, we hope that our experience can help someone avoid making the same mistakes we did.
Elliott Corwin 2024-09-08
This car is a blast to drive and has some really neat features like the interior lights, moon roof, and keyless entry. However, the technology could use some improvement for the price point. Unfortunately, the car did not sync up with the key to keep the driver's settings and Google Maps is not available on the system. Additionally, the Mini Connected app did not function as intended. Despite these setbacks, I am looking forward to returning the car.