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2018 Mini Countryman problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2018 Mini Countryman has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 2safety recalls
- 11owner complaints
- 0crash reports
- 0fire reports
- 11%fail the UK MOT
11 complaints, against an average of 48 for the other 10 Mini Countryman model years.
Every Mini Countryman model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2018 Mini Countryman?
The components named most often in the 11 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
Has the 2018 Mini Countryman been recalled?
2 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Fuel System, Gasoline: Delivery: Fuel Pump 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.
Trailer Hitches 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.
Is the 2018 Mini Countryman recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAUndetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold.
Risk: Undetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold.
Fix: The engine management control unit (DDE) will be programmed with improved software incorporating the latest OBD functionality.
UK DVSASoftware fault in crankshaft sensor
Risk: The affected vehicles may be equipped with a crankshaft sensor with a software fault.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the crankshaft sensor will be replaced with a new version.
UK DVSACrash protection plate for the high pressure fuel pump was not installed in 3 cylinder petrol engines
Risk: A crash protection plate for the high pressure fuel pump was not installed in 3-cylinder petrol engines.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the crash protection plate will be retrofitted.
UK DVSASoftware fault with crankshaft sensor
Risk: The affected vehicles may be equipped with a crankshaft sensor with a software fault. The crankshaft sensor cannot process the signal values from the crankshaft transmitter due to an improper firmware level. The firmware does not compensate sufficiently the temperature gradients and the magnetic field strength of the sensor electronic. If the crankshaft sensor cannot process the signal values from the transmitter the Digital Diesel Electronic (DDE) will notice that and change to the emergency operation mode. The emergency mode will be displayed by the check control message engine malfunction . The driver may notice a rough running engine and a reduced driving power (70%). However an engine stalling during driving conditions cannot be excluded.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the crankshaft sensor will be replaced with a new version.
UK DVSAFront axle swivel bearings may not have been produced to specification
Risk: Due to a fault in the supplier production process the swivel bearings on the front axle of the affected vehicles may not have been produced to specification. Due to an insufficient heat treatment the fracture strain has been reduced. The affected swivel bearings could break causing loss of wheel guidance during driving.
Fix: On the affected vehicles both swivel bearings will be checked and if necessary replaced with a part produced to specification.
EU Safety GateThe ignition unit of the head airbag may separate from the inflator and enter the vehicle's interior when the airbag is deployed.As a result, the inflation of the head airbag may be reduced or non-existent, increasing the risk of injury in the event of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateA crash guard is lacking for the high-pressure fuel pump in the engine compartment.In case of an accident, the high-pressure pump may be damaged, possibly leading to a fuel leakage and causing a fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe bearings on the front axle could break.Should this occur, there could be a loss of wheel control while driving.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
How often does the 2018 Mini Countryman fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2018, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2018 Mini Countryman owners report?
11 of the 11 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
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 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…
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.
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.
•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. •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 •Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the…
Steering is becoming stiffer. Seems like there is new or added restistance when turning the steering wheel while the vehicle is going slower.
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
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…
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.
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
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.
2018 Mini Countryman: questions owners ask
Is the 2018 Mini Countryman reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 11 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Mini Countryman; the most common categories were steering (3, 27.3%), electrical system (2, 18.2%), engine (2, 18.2%). There are 2 safety recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Mini Countryman?
Across 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are steering (27.3% of complaints), electrical system (18.2% of complaints), engine (18.2% of complaints), service brakes (18.2% of complaints), engine and engine cooling (9.1% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2018 Mini Countryman have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 Mini Countryman; the most recent (campaign 18V557000, 2018-08-23) concerns Fuel System, Gasoline: Delivery: Fuel Pump. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check your own Countryman
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2018 only.