2018 Mini Countryman: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 11 owner complaints on record; most reports concern steering.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 2018
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Engine · May 2024
“Steering is becoming stiffer. Seems like there is new or added restistance when turning the steering wheel while the vehicle is going slower.”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2021
“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”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2020
Show 4 more owner reports
“When stopped the brake pedal slowly goes to the floorboards. Sometimes I have to repeatedly pump the brake pedal while at a stop light to prevent running into the car in front of me. Took it to a dealership and they drove the car but couldn't fine any problems. The master cylinder leak down is getting progressively worse with time. I believe that I am qualified to write about this as I was, when younger, a top mechanic for porsche and volkswagen.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Apr 2019
“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. I've notified mini.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Apr 2019
“The VIN [xxx] is not recognized on NHTSA or safecar website. Manufacturer and dealership have my old address (not provided by myself) in their system. General helpline representatives told me to contact manufacturer. Manufacturer referred me to dealership. I called your general number again last week and the woman disparaged me and laughed at me. No one will help me fix this safety (communication) concern. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Oct 2018
“Car pulls to the right and is wobbly while in motion, especially more unstable in wet conditions and mini cooper says it is an uneven torque issue related to the electrical/gas engine and cannot be fixed. I have driven the car for 11 months and they still haven't replaced the vehicle with a safer vehicle or even talked with me about what they are willing to do to correct the defect. The dealership and bmw have ignored me after several attempts to resolve the matter.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jan 2018
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
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.
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.
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2018 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Countryman by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Mini Countryman reliable?
NHTSA has 11 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2018 Mini Countryman. The most complained-about area is steering.
Does the 2018 Mini Countryman have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning trailer hitches. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.