2021 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 2021 Mini Countryman problems
The 2021 Mini Countryman has been praised for its fun driving experience, unique exterior and interior design, and higher-quality materials compared to subcompact rivals. However, there are some common problems that owners have reported.
One of the main issues is the small cargo area, which can be a limitation for those who need more space for their belongings.
Another issue is the requirement for premium fuel for the engines, which can be an added expense for owners.
Furthermore, the rear seat and boot space, while large and configurable, have been reported to have some shortfalls in terms of ergonomics and cabin noise, which can be particularly noticeable on harsher roads.
Lastly, the fuel economy isn't great, which can be a concern for those who prioritize efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
It is worth noting that the 2021 Mini Countryman has received positive reviews for its fun and spirited drive, as well as its luxury-themed Mini Yours trim, which offers quirky additions both inside and out. However, these issues should be taken into consideration when evaluating the overall value and practicality of the vehicle.
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.
Is the 2021 Mini Cooper reliable?
The 2021 Mini Cooper has a predicted reliability score of 83 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
What is the biggest issue with Mini Cooper?
The 1st generation (R50/R53) Mini Cooper is known for premature clutch wear and failure. This typically occurs between 40,000-60,000 miles on vehicles built from 2001-2006. The root cause is due to an under-designed single-mass flywheel and weak factory clutch that cannot handle the torque of the supercharged engines.
2021 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:
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Forward collision avoidance problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2021 Mini Countryman vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2021 Mini Countryman complaints
The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Mini Countryman.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-05-10
- VIN: WMZ23BR08M3
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: The vehicle brakes during turns in the road when it is inappropriate. Has led to braking almost to a stop on the highway in one incident and could possibly cause a rear end collision. It has done this around 30 times in the past year of owning the vehicle and has begun to cause anxiety on the road due to not knowing when it will activate. It also has not warned during near front end collisions when it should have. The software is faulty and I have brought it to the Mini of Dallas’ attention as well as the Mini of Arlington and the Mini/BMW N. America executive customer relations team which set up an appointment once for it to be inspected but then they said they couldn’t ‘recreate the road conditions’ and thus couldn’t do anything for me. Mini of Dallas said the same thing as well. No resolution even when having talked with the highest customer sales reps. Not really sure how to get this issue fixed. The mini of Dallas said it was the ‘computer just seeing ghosts in the screen’ and even though they recalibrated it or turned the sensitivity down it continues to do this random braking in bends of roads with no one on the road, oncoming traffic on the opposite side of the road, and other situations.
2021 Mini Countryman recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2021 Mini Countryman.
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: 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."
- Consequence: During a crash, a seat belt retractor that does not function as intended increases the risk of injury.
- Remedy: 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).
- 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.
Negative 2021 Mini Countryman car reviews
Positive 2021 Mini Countryman car reviews
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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 must say, the 2020 Countryman I rented for 5 days was an absolute blast! Despite only having the 1.5 engine, I had no trouble accelerating and keeping up with Southern California traffic on the freeways. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the car sat higher than I expected, and getting in and out was a breeze. The Mini has a number of luxurious touches that make it feel like a high-end SUV. I'm now seriously considering purchasing one for myself. It's such a joy to drive and always puts a smile on my face.
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In May 2019, my wife got a new job that required a lot of driving, and we knew her Jeep was not up to the task. So, we bought this car, and it has been a great investment. As of today, it has 82,000 miles, and the only time it has been to the dealer was for regular scheduled maintenance and two instances where the Check Engine Light came on. Both times were software issues, and the dealer sorted them out in two weeks. There was nothing wrong with the vehicle. The software was misreading the data and triggered the light. This car is fast, way faster than you need it to be. It has been a great road car for us as we zip out for weekend getaways. There is plenty of room for a two-week trip, and when driven conservatively, my wife will easily get 38 to 42mpg. The car costs about $30 a week to run now, but it used to cost only $19 a week before gas prices rose. There are trade-offs, though. The battery storage does not leave room for a spare tire, and you will have a difficult time finding a shop that will plug a run-flat tire. However, our extended maintenance plan has a $50 deductible for tire replacement, which helps. An eight-gallon gas tank means you must pay attention to your gas stops on a road trip. I would highly encourage installing a fast charger in your garage. The regular charger will take 8-9 hours, but as more chargers are installed in our area, we will benefit. Right now, we run all our Saturday morning errands in electric mode. Overall, it is a fantastic vehicle that offers premium quality in return for its premium price. I will not talk about the technology because that is so subjective. What others cannot do without, I will not miss. We can do hands-free calls, text, and navigation, so I am content.
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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!
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This SUV is truly one-of-a-kind! While the cabin space may be a bit small, it's not a problem 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, with lots of fun features and extras that come at a really competitive price. I've received so many compliments on this unique and fun ride, and I feel really good about my purchase!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2021 Mini Countryman problems:
Countryman Common Problems - North American Motoring
Apr 24, 2018 ... Small problems in a mini are a bit more $$ and difficult than a Fusion. ... Autumn Pavelko , 10-11-2021 ... FYI, I bought a countryman used, from a ...
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 ...
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 ...
Mini EV common problems | MINI Electric Forum
Nov 2, 2023 ... Mini EV common problems. Jump to Latest ... 2021 MINI SE Iconic. Like. Reactions ... MINI Cooper SE, Countryman SE and Countryman Plug-In Hybrid.
Mini Cooper Countryman Reliability and Common Problems - In The ...
Aug 3, 2023 ... Mini Cooper Countryman Reliability and Common Problems · The Mini Cooper Countryman is a reliable SUV with a 3.5 out of 5.0 reliability score ...
Other years of Mini Countryman
Are you having problems with your 2021 Mini Countryman?
Declan Okuneva 2025-08-18
I recently purchased a Mini hybrid without doing any research beforehand. However, my previous experience with Mini and their dealer was so positive that I didn't hesitate to check out the 2019 hybrid. When I saw the hybrid in the showroom, I was immediately drawn to it. Unfortunately, I didn't fully understand the meaning of the 60+ sticker on the window, which turned out to be very different from other hybrids. Have you ever made an impulse purchase only to regret it later? I certainly have. I must warn potential buyers to be cautious of the Hybrid Mini. Although I'm not satisfied with my purchase, I'm unable to sell it back to the dealer due to the significant loss I would incur. The car has a range of only 30 mpg, which is not ideal for my 74-mile commute to work. It also has a small 9-gallon tank and requires frequent charging. Despite the car's shortcomings, I appreciate the dealer's willingness to work with me. I now understand that the 60+ on the sticker is just one component of a formula used to estimate fuel economy based on individual driving habits.If you're someone who enjoys zipping from 0-60 in just a few minutes, prioritizes appearance over practicality, or has a grocery store within walking distance, then this car might just be the perfect fit for you! It's cute and gives the illusion of fuel economy. Today, I drove my kid to school in 'Eco Green' mode, covering a round trip of about 3 miles with an average speed of 21 mph and an impressive MPG of 34.4. If you happen to see me on the road, give me a little honk! My car is the one with prominent 'Buyer Beware' signs all over it. I admit, I didn't do my homework before buying this car, so please don't insult me or make unrealistic recommendations. The salesman was a good guy, the dealership is nice, and the car is cute, but I was hoping for a vehicle with better gas mileage and a nicer driving experience. During my test drive, I didn't notice a few things that have become a bit of a nuisance. For example, the toggles are cute but become non-functional if a drink is placed in the cupholder, and the power windows squeal when being lowered. Additionally, 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 for closing the liftgate at all. 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. The owner's manual is not very helpful, and I'm still trying to figure out how to use the online manual. For optimizing mileage, multiple steps are required to program for efficiency, which can be a bit of a hassle while driving. Overall, I'm not completely satisfied with my purchase, but I'm trying to make the best of it. Thanks for understanding!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 back from them yet. If you plan to buy this car, be prepared to spend some time at the dealer for a class on how to use it. If you're looking for a car that offers a pleasant driving experience and good fuel economy at an affordable price, you may want to consider other options.
Eldon Cole 2025-02-24
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.
Clovis Kshlerin 2024-09-19
The dealership informed me that the front brake pads needed to be replaced at 17k. They mentioned that this car is designed for rally purposes and therefore the brake pads are thinner. Although I have never used it for rally, I understand the reasoning behind it. However, I do wish that the brake pads could last longer. I am concerned that the cost of ownership for this car may be high.
Devonte Cremin 2024-08-14
I recently rented this car while my own was being repaired after a collision. Unfortunately, I found the suspension to be quite stiff and the acceleration onto the freeway required a lot of effort. Additionally, the radio/infotainment system was difficult to navigate and even had a warning not to scroll through it while driving. The seats were not particularly comfortable and leg room was cramped in the front. While the car rides okay at freeway speeds with cruise control on, it is not ideal for city driving or sitting in traffic. There were also some minor inconveniences such as needing to use a key to enter the car and the Bluetooth occasionally cutting out. The air conditioning was quite loud and made it difficult to hear the radio, especially when on full blast. Unfortunately, this car does not have navigation or support for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Overall, I would recommend looking for other options when renting or purchasing a car. There are plenty of better cars available for a cheaper price.
Juvenal Rath 2024-06-20
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.