MODEL
Mini Countryman Safety
NHTSA safety across every Mini Countryman model year we cover.
Across the 8 model years of the Mini Countryman we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2024 at 85 on the NHTSA Safety Index. 8 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Mini Countryman is a subcompact crossover SUV, not a sedan, that punches above its footprint with a sporty European character and premium pretensions. Positioned as Mini's largest and most practical model, it targets urban professionals and small families who want distinctive styling, a go-anywhere attitude, and the cachet of the Mini brand without sacrificing everyday usability.
Rollover prevention for the Mini Countryman remains unrated by NHTSA across the 2019 to 2025 model years. This gap in federal data is significant for consumers evaluating safety. The best available frontal crash test result for the Countryman is four out of five stars, while side-impact protection achieved a full five out of five stars. The 2023 model year earned an 85 out of 100 on our computed Safety Index, placing it in the Strong band, a respectable outcome for its class. Over its covered model years, the Countryman has been subject to eight recalls. This figure warrants scrutiny given the vehicle's production volume. Additionally, 39 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA, including four crash-related allegations and three injury allegations. Though unverified, these numbers are not insignificant for a vehicle of this sales volume. The Countryman demonstrates strong side-impact performance and a commendable Safety Index in its peak year. However, the absence of rollover data, the four-star frontal rating, and its recall record indicate that safety-conscious buyers should conduct thorough research.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the Mini Countryman for its engaging driving dynamics, upscale interior feel, and distinctive styling that sets it apart in the subcompact crossover segment. Most acknowledge it offers more practicality than other Mini models. Common criticisms tend to center on a snug rear seat, a tech interface that divides opinion, and a price point that climbs quickly with options.
- The 2023 Countryman earned the best NHTSA Safety Index in our covered range at 85 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band, making that model year a standout choice for safety-conscious shoppers.
- Side-impact crash protection is a genuine strength, with the best available result reaching five out of five stars, but the frontal rating tops out at four out of five stars and rollover protection carries no NHTSA star rating across covered years.
- Eight recalls have been issued across the 2019 to 2025 model years. Anyone shopping a used Countryman should run the VIN through the NHTSA recall database to confirm all outstanding recall repairs have been completed.
- NHTSA has logged 39 owner complaints for this generation, including four crash-related allegations and three injury allegations. These are unverified, but the ratio of complaints to the model's relatively modest sales volume is worth factoring into your decision.
Most-recalled year on record: 2025 Mini Countryman with 2 recalls.