My fuel pump went out recently and the shop I took it to says that one of TWO fuel pumps went out. This is the first I've ever heard of there being two fuel pumps in any car. Can anyone out there verify this?

I have a 2003 Mini Coop Hatchback (non S) model.

 

get a new shop....
the gen2 cars have 2...
but gen1 has 1 in the tank..with the filter...

 

That is correct, 1 pump. There might be some confusion because the tank has two sending units, as it's kind of like a motorcycle tank in that it has two distinct sections. The sole fuel pump is in one half, and the filter in the other. The fuel flows in series between the two, but two sending units are required to accurately monitor the level of fuel in the tank. In most cars, the fuel pump is integrated with the sole sending unit, so I can see how someone pulling the rear seat and seeing two sending units might make the assumption that there are two pumps. But I'm not excusing the shop. They need to know what they are working on. Just one of the many reasons I won't let anyone else touch my stuff.

 

gen2 cars.....
2006+ hardtop or 2008 cabrios MAY have 2 pumps if they have Direct Injection...meaning they have a regular in the tank fuel pump, and a second Hi-preasure fuel pump...these pumps have been a bit of a problem on some mini's...
but all gen1 mini's, meaning all cars 2002-2006 hardtop, and up to 2008 cabrio have the standard auto fuel injection system.