A 2007 to 2012 MINI Cooper S or John Cooper Works can be under a fire-risk recall for its turbo water pump. The campaign is NHTSA recall 18V-248, covering the electric auxiliary water pump that cools the turbocharger. Not every R56 is in it, so the VIN decides. MINI and BMW recall Q&A and service bulletin M17 01 18.
R56 models covered by the auxiliary pump recall
MINI's Q&A lists approximately 8,762 R56 Cooper S and JCW hatchbacks, model years 2007 to 2012, built June 28, 2007 through September 23, 2011. The same recall also names other turbo MINIs, shown below. The recall names only the turbo Cooper S and JCW models, and the pump is described for the N14 and N18 turbo engines. Q1 and the model table in bulletin M17 01 18.
| Model | Model years | Production dates | Approx. cars |
|---|---|---|---|
| R56 Cooper S, JCW | 2007 to 2012 | Jun 28, 2007 to Sep 23, 2011 | 8,762 |
| R55 Cooper S Clubman, JCW Clubman | 2008 to 2012 | Jan 28, 2008 to Sep 23, 2011 | 2,779 |
| R57 Cooper S, JCW Convertible | 2011 to 2012 | Oct 28, 2010 to Sep 23, 2011 | 2,192 |
| R58 Cooper S, JCW Coupe | 2012 | Jun 22, 2011 to Sep 23, 2011 | 420 |
| R59 Cooper S, JCW Roadster | 2012 | Aug 11, 2010 to Sep 21, 2011 | 10 |
| R60 Cooper S Countryman, ALL4 | 2011 to 2012 | Jan 19, 2011 to Sep 30, 2011 | 9,669 |
Volumes are MINI's approximations for the US. Production dates, not the model year on the title, decide whether an individual car is included.
What the auxiliary turbocharger pump does
MINI describes it as an electric pump controlled by the engine control unit. After the engine is switched off, it moves coolant to carry heat away from the turbocharger. Q2 in the recall Q&A.
It is a separate part from the engine's main coolant pump. The recall covers only the electric turbo pump and says nothing about the main pump.
The recall defect and safety risk
The pump's electronic circuit board can malfunction because of certain design features combined with high operating temperatures. If it overheats, the pump can smolder, and MINI says an engine compartment or vehicle fire cannot be excluded. Q2 and Q3.
MINI says it knew of no accidents or injuries tied to the recall, and that a limited number of fires may be related. It also says similar recalls were run in 2011 and 2012. Q4 and Q13. NHTSA lists that earlier campaign as 12V-008, covering certain 2007 to 2011 Cooper S and 2009 to 2011 JCW cars built November 14, 2006 through January 18, 2011, with the same pump replacement as the remedy. NHTSA recall record for 12V-008.
The 2018 expansion happened because the pump supplier built additional pumps that did not meet specifications. Q5.
If you smell burning plastic or see smoke from the front of the car: MINI says to pull over somewhere safe, switch the engine off, not open the hood, and move everyone away from traffic and the car. It lists MINI Roadside Assistance at 1-866-646-4772. MINI also recommends parking an affected car outdoors until the repair is done. Q9 and Q11.
Check recall status by VIN
Use the full 17-character VIN and run it through both lookups:
- MINI USA recall lookup. It asks for the full VIN and shows open safety and emission recalls.
- NHTSA recall lookup.
MINI's bulletin says an affected car with the work still outstanding shows as open under the description "Recall: Electronic Auxiliary Coolant Pump" in the dealer systems. Situation section of bulletin M17 01 18. A lookup that shows nothing open means either the car is not in the population or the work has been done, so it does not tell you which.
Review repair records and pump identification
A completed recall is easiest to prove with paper. Ask for any of these:
- A dealer repair order that names the recall or the auxiliary coolant pump replacement.
- A MINI dealer printout of the car's campaign history.
- Receipts from an independent shop, if an owner paid for the repair before the recall. MINI's owner letter references a reimbursement plan for owners who already paid for this repair. Q17.
We did not find a published part number or pump marking that identifies a replacement pump in the recall documents. MINI's documents do not give one, so rely on records, not on looking at the pump.
Recall remedy and service options
The remedy is replacement of the electric auxiliary water pump. MINI says the work takes about 1 hour and is free at an authorized MINI dealer. Q12 and Q15. NHTSA's record says dealers replace the pump free of charge and lists MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525. NHTSA recall record for 18V-248.
Because this is a safety recall tied to a fire risk, the free dealer repair is the route the manufacturer specifies. This guide does not cover replacing the pump at home.
What to do when records are unclear
- Run the VIN in the MINI lookup. If the recall shows open, book the repair.
- If the VIN shows nothing but you cannot tell whether the pump was ever replaced, call a MINI dealer with the VIN and ask them to read the campaign history in their system.
- If the lookup and the service history disagree, the dealer works from MINI's own campaign record. Ask the dealer to print it.
- If you are buying the car, ask for the dealer record before you pay. BMW Group's notice to dealers says they should not sell, lease or deliver a used vehicle under a safety recall until the repair is done. Recall notice in bulletin M17 01 18.
For the rest of the car, see the R53 versus R56 comparison and the R56 timing chain guide.
Sources
- NHTSA-hosted PDF: BMW/MINI Recall 18V-248 Q&A (April 23, 2018) and MINI bulletin M17 01 18
- NHTSA recall data for MINI Cooper S, campaigns 18V-248 and 12V-008
- MINI USA safety and emission recall lookup
- NHTSA recall lookup
Technical disclaimer: Department Six is an independent enthusiast publication. This article summarizes published recall documents and does not replace a VIN-specific check with MINI or a MINI dealer.
Affiliate disclosure: This article contains no affiliate links.