Recall 18V557 affects 9,953 2017-2019 MINI Countryman vehicles for a missing fuel-pump crash protection plate. Repair is free at any franchised MINI dealer.
MINI is recalling 9,953 2017-2019 Countryman vehicles to address a missing crash protection plate near the high pressure fuel pump. In a crash, the fuel pump can be damaged, causing a fuel leak and raising the risk of a fire; MINI dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The 2017-2019 MINI Countryman uses a high pressure fuel pump to send gasoline from the fuel system to the engine at the pressure the engine needs. A crash protection plate sits near that pump in the engine compartment. Its job is simple: add a barrier around the pump area if the front of the vehicle is damaged in a crash.
In affected Countryman vehicles, that crash protection plate was not installed. Without the plate, the fuel pump area has less protection during a crash. Damage near the pump can allow gasoline to leak, which is the safety concern in recall 18V557.
There is no warning sign before failure. Owners are not expected to see a light, smell fuel, or notice a change in normal driving because the missing plate matters when crash forces reach the pump area.
Who's affected?
Spans three model years, all tied to the fuel pump in the gasoline fuel-delivery system.
| 2018 MINI Countryman | fuel system |
|---|---|
| 2017 MINI Countryman | fuel system |
| 2019 MINI Countryman | fuel system |
| Units affected | 9,953 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific crossover is included.
What's the safety risk?
Without the crash protection plate, a crash can damage the fuel pump, cause a fuel leak, and increase the risk of a fire. Schedule the repair soon and avoid delaying service after your VIN is confirmed. Repair is free at any franchised MINI dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2019 MINI Countryman is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised MINI dealer to schedule the free crash-protection-plate installation that shields the high-pressure fuel pump in a crash.
- Bring the recall notice if MINI mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V557 when you call.
- Avoid driving the vehicle after a crash until a MINI dealer checks the fuel-pump area.
- Call MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525 with questions about the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a MINI technician installs the missing crash protection plate near the high pressure fuel pump. That plate is meant to protect the fuel pump area in a crash, where the recalled vehicles lack the needed shield. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. Since the remedy is listed as available, contact a MINI dealer service department and reference recall 18V557 when scheduling the work.
Timeline
| August 23, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 23, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| August 23, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 15, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| October 22, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V557?
Recall 18V557 covers 9,953 2017-2019 MINI Countryman vehicles missing a crash protection plate near the high pressure fuel pump. In a crash, the fuel pump can be damaged, causing a fuel leak and increasing fire risk. MINI dealers install the crash protection plate for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2019 MINI Countryman is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Countryman is included in recall 18V557. If it is, contact a franchised MINI dealer to schedule installation of the crash protection plate. Reference recall number 18V557 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. MINI's remedy says dealers will install the crash protection plate free of charge, and federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. Use a franchised MINI dealer for the recall repair.
What is the safety risk in recall 18V557?
The safety risk is a fuel leak after a crash. Without the crash protection plate, the high pressure fuel pump can be damaged in the crash, which increases the risk of fire. The fix is to have a MINI dealer install the missing plate for free.
What if I bought my MINI Countryman used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2017-2019 Countryman is included, then call a franchised MINI dealer and reference recall number 18V557.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V557000 |
|---|---|
| MINI customer service | 1-866-825-1525 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V557 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V557000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →