The 2018 MINI Countryman has 2 safety recalls and 11 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is unknown or other (3 complaints).
Recalls2safety recalls
Complaints11filed by owners
Crashes · fires0 · 0reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths0 · 0reported in complaints
Safety recalls
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
NHTSA recall 18V557000 · Aug 23, 2018 · 9,953 vehicles
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
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.
Problem: 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.
Risk: If the trailer hitch sags or separates from the vehicle, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
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.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
2018 Mini Countryman 5 HB AWD
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: No
2018 Mini Countryman 5 HB FWD
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: No
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Unknown or other
3
0
0
0
—
Steering
3
0
0
0
—
Service brakes
2
0
0
0
—
Electrical system
2
0
0
0
—
Engine
2
0
0
0
—
Exterior lighting
1
0
0
0
—
Fuel/propulsion system
1
0
0
0
—
Engine and engine cooling Engine › Engine control module (ecu/ecm)
1
0
0
0
—
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Mar 19, 2026 · 19,000 milesSteering 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 was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with ECM failure. The contact was informed that the ECM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact was advised that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle while using the Click and Drive device. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided…
Jul 1, 2024Steering 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 had to park for a long time (since i was at Costco decided to come inside the store), when i turned on engine, it was gone and working properly like the problem did not happened at all. There were still times that when i turned it off for a little bit to pick up something from a restaurant, when i come back, the steering wheel looks like it…
May 17, 2024Engine 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 previous years but when I checked my VIN there were no recalls. This is a very dangerous defect and should be fixed.
Apr 1, 2019Fuel/propulsion 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 New Country Mini in Hartford, CT. The repair shop should provide history of repairs over the several years as Mini is denying the seriousness of the defect. Iâve notified mini.
Oct 5, 2021Service brakes â¢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. â¢How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Potential of brake failure. â¢Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Dealer repaired work- Passport Mini of Montgomery County, 820 Russell Ave, Gaithersburg, MD, 20879 â¢Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Unknown â¢Were there any…
Sep 11, 2021Steering Steering is becoming stiffer. Seems like there is new or added restistance when turning the steering wheel while the vehicle is going slower.
Apr 6, 2020 · 24,000 milesElectrical 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 TURN OF LIGHTS, NO LUCK. CAR REPAIRED AT DEALERSHIP, WAS TOLD AT THAT POINT OF A POSSIBLE RECALL, BUT THEY DIDN'T KNOW OF WHAT. CAR REPAIRED. AS SOON A LEASE IS UP IT IS GONE! *TR
Jul 18, 2019 · 20 milesElectrical 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 OWNERS, PEOPLE WOULD BE STRANDED AND LEFT IN A DANGEROUS CONDITION. FURTHERMORE, THIS IS CLEARLY SOMETHING MINI IS CHOOSING TO IGNORE AND CLASSIFY AS USER ERROR WHEN IT IS A DEFECT. MINI CHARGED $600+ PLUS DOLLARS TO REPLACE THE BATTERY, REPROGRAM THE VEHICLE AND PHYSICALLY INSTALL THE NEW BATTERY. THE DEALER REP SAID HE HAS PERSONALLY…
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.