27 of the
157 complaints filed about the Mini Countryman
are about the electrical system —
17% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2014.
On or around 6/20/26, I went to drive my 2014 mini countryman. When I got inside, I quickly realized that there was mold growing throughout the vehicle, on the carpet, and in the trunk. The vehicle started, but I was unable to use the drivers side window. I sent the vehicle in for service and was informed that a massive leak after a storm had clogged the drain tubes to the moon roof allowing water to leak into the driver side floor. The water damaged the electrical box which caused the window to stop worked. I found out later that this electrical component failure can cause several other issues most alarmingly, increased potential for an electrical fire. I have filed a claim with my insurance company due to the water damage and mold. I’ve been quoted between $5,000-8,000 for repairs to the electric panel, cleaning the mold, replacing the carpet etc. other models of the mini for 2014 were recalled due to sunroof issues. It appears my mini countryman has the same moonroof and same problems as the other mini models that were recalled. Clearing of the drains on the moonroof should at least be a requirement under typical maintenance and communicated to buyers before they purchase these vehicles.
NHTSA complaint #11752251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On May 29, 2026, my 2025 MINI Countryman SE (battery-electric) became completely immobilized when the charging connector locked into the vehicle's charge port and could not be released. With the connector locked in, the vehicle could not be moved, shifted to neutral, or driven. The defect is in the factory charge-port locking mechanism. The connector could not be freed by me, by a MINI master technician working remotely for about 45 minutes, by the tow operator, or by the dealership's own service manager, who tried for over two minutes using both the manual release and the key fob and could not release it (recorded on video). The vehicle had to be towed. Because the wheels were locked, the master technician issued a written instruction that it be transported on dollies. A dealership advisor said the cause was the charge-port locking mechanism and that the lock "wears out over time with use." If accurate, that indicates a wear-related design condition that could immobilize other vehicles of this make and model, and a manual release that did not function when the primary lock failed. An EV that locks its own charge connector and then cannot be released or moved presents a stranding and safety risk, especially away from home or where it obstructs traffic. As of June 26, 2026, nearly four weeks later, the vehicle still has not been successfully repaired. Its own charging data shows no successful charging session since June 3, 2026, and repeated charging attempts at a dealership on June 16, 2026 each delivered zero energy, consistent with the charge-port/connector-lock defect remaining unresolved. The failed component is available for inspection, and all supporting evidence (video, photos, charging data, communications) has been preserved.
NHTSA complaint #11746804 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle exhibits persistent, intermittent failure of Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Phone fails to pair, drops all connection mid-drive (all displays including speed, navigation, etc go dead), and disconnects active calls and navigation prompts during operation. Defect requires repeated manual re-pairing attempts that draw driver attention from the road. The same phone pairs reliably with all other vehicles and devices tested, including a more recent 2025 Countryman dealer loaner and personal home equipment, indicating the defect is in the vehicle's electronic architecture rather than the phone or user settings. Multiple service visits to an authorized MINI dealer have not resolved the issue. The dealership service team has stated verbally that "all the early 2025 Countrymen seem to have these issues." Dealer is now indicating that full head unit replacement may be required, with extended out-of-service time. The defect creates a documented driver-distraction risk and aligns with multiple existing NHTSA complaints and BMW Technical Service Bulletins for the 2025 Countryman platform. The sudden outage meant I had no information while driving on the interstate at speed and didn't know what was happening. I didn't even know if I was indicating to move over to the shoulder of the road. This happened at least 4 other times since I had had the car but thankfully only the once on an actual highway. Other times were in Atlanta city traffic and a couple of times in my driveway. Even more frustrating, I cannot get it to reliably pair with my iPhone 17 Pro. The lack of reliability increased markedly with the last MINI update which occurred about a week ago. I need to travel for work and cannot rely on this car to get me where I need to go and I actually avoid driving it now. The problem has been validated by the Dealer. The Service intake worker noted, "We have seen this in almost all of the early 2025 Countryman models." There was no warning at all when it happen
NHTSA complaint #11735640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The Air conditioning mixing flap failed. The is a technical bulletin out for this SIM 64 02 21. The mixing flap separated from the heater housing which is located under the dash board. In turn Cold air only coming out of the drivers side vent and not the passenger or rear vents. This is unsafe in Arizona where there is extreme heat for babies and pets. In addition one cannot see out the windshield since it also impacts the vents for defogging/defrosting. This is a $5000 repair causing economic hardship. Said vehicle only had 47,800 mile on it. Please advise . Thanks
NHTSA complaint #11715641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle experienced intermittent electrical failures, including screen blackouts/reboots during startup and while driving. These events affected visibility of vehicle information and settings. The drive mode selector malfunctioned, limiting the ability to select Eco, Normal, Sport, or Off-Road modes. Drive modes directly affect throttle response, braking behavior, and vehicle control. On multiple occasions, braking and acceleration behavior felt inconsistent with selected drive mode, creating safety concerns. The issue is intermittent and was reported to an authorized dealer. The dealer was unable to consistently reproduce the issue but did not dispute that the concern was reported. The vehicle remains available for inspection.
NHTSA complaint #11715345 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
1- Component and system failed. Mini Copper, Contryman S : The key entry stopped responding. We managed to enter into the car, by removed the fob and using the key to open car. One inside, we noticed water dripping off the cd area and the dashboard. A further look reveled more water. 2- How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?. Mini Copper, Countryman S: We made a short stop into the local Target. After back in the road noticed a sudden change around the central console. Most the electronic data was now gone or blinked. Stopped the car. After 10 minutes, tried to start the card but did no started right away. Now battery has some issued. The Central panel displayed a yellow/orange background. All functions gone or blinking. The temperature displayed a ghost image. Last, while inside the car we notice a funny smell. 3- Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? A local Indi shop - Checo Auto Repair- said that at rain water came in contact with the electrical system and they replaced the inside real-view miror. After, all car's funtions restaurated. Key fob works. The dashboard data came back. The battery remain with some issue 4- Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Mini Copper Countryman S: No 5- Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Mini copper Countryman S: No, that I now . Then, 30 t0 45 day later, the car has
NHTSA complaint #11707492 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The center display and driver display shut off while car was in motion. There was no speed indication or any information about the car available to drive safely. The computer system is occasionally slow to load. There are no indications prior to the problem happening. It has happened twice while driving. The car has less than 6,000 miles. I have reported this problem to a dealer. There have been additional problems to the software systems, and the dealer service department did a complete software reload/reflash of the system. This problem has occured after the service.
NHTSA complaint #11699042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The morning of Tuesday 12/24/24 while driving the car at 30-40 mph, in the dark, all systems suddenly shut off - by all systems I'm mean the engine, all interior and exterior lights, the "computer" screen. Everything went black in an instant. After a second of two the car lurched back to life. I was able to pull over at that point. The only "idiot light" that came on was a yellow engine symbol. I opened it and a screen came up that said "Check Control", "No entries". If this had happened with traffic around I could have been injured in an accident. If it had happened on the nearby Interstate and highway speeds, I could have been killed. I am taking the vehicle to the dealer today for evaluation. There have been no professional inspections at this time. For the two months that I've had this car there have been repeated problems with the "boot up" process when trying to start the car. It at times displays wrong information, does not recognize the "key fob", forgets previous settings, etc. This has been told to the dealer and to a BMW/Mini factory rep on 12/23/24. These were considered nuisance problems; however, a complete system failure while driving is not a nuisance.
NHTSA complaint #11632371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When making a right turn, and turning speed, our new cars braking system activated, locked the brakes, and steering wheel, causing the vehicle to slide into oncoming traffic. The cars safety system overrode the driver, now allowing me to maneuver away from on coming traffic until the vehicle came to a complete stop. I believe the reason it did this, is the cars safety system thought it was about to be in a head on collision being fed wrong AI to the cars computers and cameras. The vehicle had less than 300 miles at the time of the incident.
NHTSA complaint #11627561 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Footwell module is bad. My safety is at risk everyday that I drive the vehicle. The high beams don't work, turn signals don't work, inside dash lights don't work,windows don't roll down, side mirror's don't work,inside lights don't work, doors don't lock.My car was in the shop for another issue and the mechanic said my floor boards were wet up front,( Hurricaine Helene) my car was at the shop during the hurricaine.I have never had an issue with my sunroof leaking. No the car wasn't inspected by any of the representatives.I have no clue why my car wasn't included in the recall. The clubman and the mini hardtop was in the recall for the foot well module. The car had a car up on a lift meaning needs serviced. The car stated having problems on 09/30/2024 the light came on.
NHTSA complaint #11622774 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The car starts but within a few second, the dashboard starts flashing with all of the warning lights and sounds. The speedometer and RPM needles move up and down frantically. I can drive the car, but I cannot tell at what speed I am going and if I put a turning signal I am not always able to stop it from flashing. Mini service found that the fuse box part # Main Fuse Box – Mini (61-35-9-813-622) that control the electric component of the car is defective. They also told me that the part is in back order worldwide for 11 months and they cannot get it for me, but they can place an order for it. I found out from MINI directly that there are 400 of that part in back order. My car is now in my driveway for the last two months and still no news about receiving the part. My registration is due for renewal in November, and it will not pass safety inspection, and I will end up with a lemon in my driveway. I still have a loan with Mini and I cannot even sell my car to pay for the remainder of that loan.
NHTSA complaint #11617665 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The interior camera on the front windshield temperature is high, and burns my hand when touching it. The measured temperature is 58.4C (137.12F) as shown in the attached picture. This is a risk for harm the driver and potential fire hazard.
NHTSA complaint #11607609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The JBE (junction box electronics) has failed. This has caused the fuel pump to stop responding. I'm not sure if my mechanic still has the original part. It did this in the street after backing out of the driveway. It could have been deadly had it happened on the interstate at 70mph. The unit has been inspected by a third party electronics repair shop and cannot be repaired. There were no warnings until it stopped working in the street. Vehicle has not been repaired, because available parts are diverted first to warrantied vehicles.
NHTSA complaint #11605365 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The fuse box is defective and we are not able to find one anywhere on the globe that has this part. The lights will not go off and wears down the brand new battery we purchased. The car will not start & leaves us with a defective car. It’s a 2014 & only has 59,000 miles on it. The car came from Germany and only had one previous owner. How can you help us? We have an appointment with the BMW dealership on Maui, [XXX]. We just spent $400.00 to have the problem diagnosed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11583958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This car is a PHEV. I experienced a drivetrain malfunction warning noted on instrument display. Vehicle states it can continue to be driven “moderately” with reduced drivetrain output. This is similar to an incident recently in which the instrument cluster stopped working following a drivetrain warning on the instrument cluster. Dealer has not yet diagnosed this latest problem but for the previous issue states it is due to high voltage battery not being fully charged when driving but does not acknowledge any faults with the system.
NHTSA complaint #11573839 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Second failure of the FRM electrical board on the drivers side (part # 61356827070) within a year. I have only owned the vehicle for 14 months. Mini dealer advised this is known problem - water entering the vehicle causing corrosion and malfunction of the FRM board. I was advised there IS a recall for this problem on several other Mini Cooper models but not for the Countryman S (vehicle I own). Estimate for repair is $1939 for the FRM board including labor AND $3,000 for the "water test" to determine where the leak is coming from. My son was driving the vehicle when electrical problem started. Driver window went down and could not be raised, turn signals would not operate and headlights could not be operated then went on and could not be turned (even when the key was removed) off which killed the battery. Vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle is currently at the Mini dealer in Latham NY until we can figure out what to do. Certified Dealer technician confirmed FRM board malfunction advising it could not be repaired and had to be replaced. There was no indication or warning lights prior to the board malfunction.
NHTSA complaint #11569589 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2016 Mini Cooper S Countryman. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power; however, the contact was able to safely pull to the shoulder of the roadway. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality; however, the failure had since become a regular occurrence. Several warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that there was water damage within the footwell control module, and water damage to the ignition control module. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 57,000.
NHTSA complaint #11540106 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11538391 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owned a 2014 Mini Countryman. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle in his driveway, approximately two hours later the neighbor who noticed the windshield wipers were activated and that the interior of the vehicle was foggy, alerted the contact of their observance. The contact opened the door of the vehicle and discovered smoke and a burning amber-colored dashboard. The fire department was called to the scene but no extinguisher was needed since the fire was only in the interior of the vehicle and had extinguished on its own. A fire report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed. The cause of the failure was not determined. The failure mileage was 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #11524389 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The drains that funnel rain water from sun roof and doors become dislodge causing water to flood inside the passenger floor and cause electrical short.. my main computer shorted out and my car died while i was doing 65 mph on the freeway i was almost killed the mini dealer checked it out and said the water inside was the cause it ran me $4000 to repair it I looked on line and there's hundreds of people that have gone thru similar issues
NHTSA complaint #11497837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.