2018 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 2018 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 2018 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
- 2018 MINI Countryman owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Steering (3), Engine (3), Unknown Or Other (3), Brakes (2), Electrical system (2).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
03/31/2026 · Steering
The contact owns a 2018 Mini Cooper Countryman. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated that the steering wheel was excessively difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle wa…
01/06/2025 · Steering
While driving, the steering wheel gets stuck and very hard to maneuver. I have seen a recall for this car but when i entered by VIN, it was not included on the recall. The problem had happened several times. There was a time when everything was working fine, turned off the engine to put gas and when i turned it on to drive, i had a hard time steering. I ha…
05/21/2024 · Engine
My engine malfunctioned after the module under the back seat was wet from an unknown water leak in the vehicle. My vehicle lost power without warning until I came to a complete stop on the side of a very busy highway. I'm not sure if the repair center kept the faulty module or not I would have to check. I know leaks have been a problem with my model in p…
01/12/2023 · Fuel system
Fuel sensor failed and due to tank pressure that would not release properly, according to repair shop. Among other safety issues, this caused me to not be able to open the gas tank to refill the gas tank. This has been ongoing. At first the gas flap was repaired (2x) and ultimately the fuel sensor was entirely replaced at my cost. All repairs were done at…
10/11/2021 · Brakes
•What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I had brake caliper repaired on front right wheel, on 5/5/20. Had to have service on same brake caliper on 10/5/21 - revealed caliper froze causing excessive bakes wear. •How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Potential of brake failure. •…
09/11/2021 · Steering
Steering is becoming stiffer. Seems like there is new or added restistance when turning the steering wheel while the vehicle is going slower.
06/23/2020 · Electrical system
I WAS PULLING INTO SHOPPING CENTER ALL DASHBOARD LIGHT UP WARNINGS ETC. STARTED TO HEAD HOME BECAUSE OF PRIOR INCIDENT WITH COMPUTER FAILURE. CAR STOPPED MID INTERSECTION AND WENT DEAD. PUT IT IN PARK RESTARTED AND DROVE HOME. HEADLIGHTS AND ELECTRICAL ENGINE WOULD NOT SHUT OFF. CALLED SERVICE TO TOW TO DEALERSHIP REPAIR. TOW TRUCK DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO…
07/24/2019 · Electrical system
VEHICLE'S SWITCH CONTROLLING HEADLIGHTS WAS LEFT IN THE "PARKING LIGHTS ON" MODE INADVERTENTLY (IT OPENED TERMINAL 15 PER MINI). CAR WOULD NOT START LESS THAN 12 HOURS LATER. MINI REPORTS THAT THIS "DAMAGED THE BATTERY BEYOND REPAIR" AND SAID IT WAS NOT SUBJECT TO WARRANTY REPLACEMENT BECAUSE THE USER HAD OPERATED THE SWITCH. IF THIS HAPPENED FOR MANY MINI…