Recall 25V616 covers 1,571 2025-2026 MINI Cooper, Countryman, X1, and X2 vehicles for damaged front seat belt retractors. Repair is free at franchised MINI dealers.
MINI is recalling 1,571 2025-2026 Cooper, Cooper Convertible, Countryman S ALL4, Countryman Se ALL4, X1, and X2 vehicles because the torsion bar in the front seat belt retractors was damaged during production. A damaged retractor can fail to properly restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury; MINI dealers will replace the seat belt assemblies free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The front safety belt retractor on the affected 2025-2026 MINI Cooper, Countryman S ALL4, Countryman Se ALL4, X2, X1, and Cooper Convertible models is the mechanism that holds and rewinds the belt webbing. It also locks the belt during a sudden stop or crash. Inside the retractor, a torsion bar helps manage belt force so the restraint system works as designed.
In recall 25V616, the issue is inside the front left and right retractors. During supplier production, a maintenance action left some torsion bars damaged for a limited production period. A damaged torsion bar means the retractor was not built to specification, so the front belt system is not assured to control occupant restraint forces as intended during a crash.
There is no warning sign before failure. The belt can look normal, latch normally, and retract normally even when the torsion bar inside the front retractor is damaged.
Who's affected?
Covers six models across the 2025 and 2026 model years, all using the same front safety belt retractor.
| 2025 MINI Cooper | seat belt |
|---|---|
| 2026 MINI Cooper | seat belt |
| 2025 MINI Countryman S ALL4 | seat belt |
| 2026 MINI Countryman S ALL4 | seat belt |
| 2025 MINI Countryman Se ALL4 | seat belt |
| 2025 BMW X2 | seat belt |
| 2025 BMW X1 | seat belt |
| 2026 BMW X1 | seat belt |
| 2026 BMW X2 | seat belt |
| 2025 MINI Cooper Convertible | seat belt |
| 2026 MINI Cooper Convertible | seat belt |
| Units affected | 1,571 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A damaged seat belt retractor can fail to hold an occupant properly during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Use the seat belt as normal, but schedule the recall repair promptly and avoid using a seating position with a belt that does not retract or latch normally. Repair is free at any franchised MINI dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2025-2026 MINI Cooper, Countryman S ALL4, Countryman Se ALL4, X2, X1, or Cooper Convertible is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised MINI dealer to schedule the free front seat belt retractor replacement that fixes the damaged torsion-bar issue.
- Bring the recall notice if it arrived. If not, reference recall number 25V616 when you call.
- Use the front seat belts on every trip until the repair is complete, and confirm each belt pulls out, latches, and retracts before driving.
- Call MINI customer service at 1-800-525-7417 with questions about the repair.
What happens at the repair
At an authorized MINI dealer, a MINI technician replaces both front seat belt retractors. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. BMW says the affected condition would have been covered by the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty if it was found before the recall notice. That means earlier repairs are handled through warranty coverage, not through a separate reimbursement program. Ask the service desk how the warranty applies if you have earlier repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| September 17, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 17, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| September 17, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 7, 2025 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| November 13, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V616?
Recall 25V616 covers 1,571 2025-2026 MINI Cooper, Countryman S ALL4, Countryman Se ALL4, X2, X1, and Cooper Convertible vehicles with front seat belt retractors that were damaged during production. MINI dealers will replace both front seat belt retractors for free.
What should I do if my 2025-2026 MINI Cooper, Countryman S ALL4, Countryman Se ALL4, X2, X1, or Cooper Convertible is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 25V616. If it is, contact a franchised MINI dealer to schedule replacement of both front seat belt retractors. Reference recall number 25V616 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. MINI dealers will replace both front seat belt retractors free of charge, including parts and labor, for vehicles included in recall 25V616.
What is the safety risk?
A damaged front seat belt retractor can fail to properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer repair so both front retractors are replaced.
When were owners notified about recall 25V616?
MINI mailed owner notification letters on November 13, 2025. VINs became searchable for this recall on November 7, 2025. If you bought the vehicle used or missed the letter, check your VIN and reference recall 25V616 when you call the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V616000 |
|---|---|
| MINI customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V616 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V616000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →