2017 MINI Countryman recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. These vehicles may be missing a crash protection plate near the high pressure fuel pump, which may result in a fuel leak in the event of a crash.
What could happen: Without the crash protection plate, in the event of a crash, the fuel pump can become damaged, causing a fuel leak and increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: MINI will notify owners, and dealers will install a crash protection plate, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on October 22, 2018. Owners will receive a second notification when the repair is available. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2017 COUNTRYMAN.
- Book a repair at any authorized MINI dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 18V557000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-866-825-1525.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2017-2019 MINI Cooper Countryman vehicles. These vehicles may be missing a crash protection plate near the high pressure fuel pump, which may result in a fuel leak in the event of a crash.
Consequence: Without the crash protection plate, in the event of a crash, the fuel pump can become damaged, causing a fuel leak and increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: MINI will notify owners, and dealers will install a crash protection plate, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on October 22, 2018. Owners will receive a second notification when the repair is available. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
2. Trailer Hitches
What's wrong, in plain English: A vehicle part that may fail. The vehicles may have inadequate structure points for the trailer hitch mounting, causing the hitch to sag under to certain loads and possibly separate from the vehicle.
What could happen: If the trailer hitch sags or separates from the vehicle, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
The fix: Curt will notify owners, and dealers will provide a replacement hitch, free of charge. The recall began on October 20, 2017. Owners may contact Curt customer service at 1-800-798-0813.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2017 COUNTRYMAN.
- Book a repair at any authorized MINI dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 17E051000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-798-0813.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: TRAILER HITCHES
Summary: Curt Manufacturing LLC (Curt) is recalling certain Class 1 trailer hitches, part number 11451, sold for installation on 2016-2018 Mini Cooper Clubman and Countryman vehicles. The vehicles may have inadequate structure points for the trailer hitch mounting, causing the hitch to sag under to certain loads and possibly separate from the vehicle.
Consequence: If the trailer hitch sags or separates from the vehicle, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Curt will notify owners, and dealers will provide a replacement hitch, free of charge. The recall began on October 20, 2017. Owners may contact Curt customer service at 1-800-798-0813.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 2017 MINI Countryman owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (2), Steering (1), Fuel system (1), Gasoline (1), Suspension (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (7)
02/04/2026 · Electrical system
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 a…
09/30/2025 · Steering
Grinding noise near the front axis especially during tight corners when parking. Mechanics looked at it and saying the steering gear issue.
03/31/2023 · Fuel system
The contacts wife owns a 2017 Mini Cooper Countryman. The contact stated that on multiple occasions, the vehicle stalled while refueling. The contact stated that the vehicle made abnormal sounds while restarting, and often took 30-seconds to start operating normally. Additionally, the contact stated that on several occasions with the engine running and atte…
08/15/2022 · Suspension · fire
On 3/24/22 I was driving on the highway at approximately 1:30am my car made a loud noise and dropped down a bit on the front passenger side. At the same there was a cloud of smoke that came up from the same side. I pulled my car slowly off into the breakdown lane. Got out of my car to see what happened. The passenger tire was blown out. Had the car towed to…
07/13/2022 · Latches / locks
The contact owns a 2017 Mini Cooper Countryman. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side door latch failed to latch as designed. The contact stated that he taped the door closed while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed the failure as a defective latch. The contact stated that the door lock actuator and the striker were repl…
01/31/2022 · Lights · fire
The contact owns a 2017 Mini Countryman. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle cabin was emitting a smoke odor. The contact stated the rear passenger side taillight malfunction warning message was displayed. The contact mentioned that the socket was melted when he replaced the rear passenger bulb. The contact spoke with a local dea…
07/25/2020 · Unknown Or Other
THE AUXILIARY COOLING RADIATOR WAS PUNCTURED BY A FOREIGN OBJECT, RESULTING IN LEAKING COOLANT AND ENGINE OVERHEAT. THE RADIATOR IS LOCATED IN THE LOWER LEFT SIDE OF THE BUMPER, WITH A LARGE OPENING AND NO PROTECTION, LEAVING IT SUSCEPTIBLE TO DAMAGE FROM ROCKS OR EVEN LARGE ENOUGH INSECTS WHILE DRIVING. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING MY ENGIN…