2016 Mini Cooper Countryman Complaints

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 05/01/2026

2015 and 2016 Hard top Mini Coopers, Standard (F55) are prone to their environmental air catalyst sensor breaking, causing a check engine light and emissions issues. The remedy is replacing the entire radiator. This occurred on my vehicle at only 40,000 miles. MINI is aware of the issue, but only issued an extended warranty for "S" (or 4-cylinder) models, despite the 3-cylinder base model containing the same radiator sensors with the same defects. [XXX] This extended warranty should cover base models with the same parts. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 01/02/2026

The malfunction indicator lamp light is on (MIL) with the following fault code stored in the DME: Fault code Control module Fault code text 1B8302 DME LIN bus, communication (EAC sensor): missing Problem verified. Don't know if car will quit on the highway. Mini recall for exact problem and extended warranty to solve the problem only on the "S" model with the exact same engine.

STEERING,POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE — Filed 10/03/2025

Nada

POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 06/05/2025

This complaint concerns my 2016 Mini Cooper Countryman S, All-Wheel Drive. About four months ago, I began experiencing wobbling and noise when making turns at low speed. I took the vehicle to multiple repair shops for diagnosis. The first shop recommended replacing the clutch pack assembly ($2,626 + tax). The second shop suggested replacing the transfer case (~$2,928 + tax). Based on that, I purchased a used transfer case ($407) and had a third shop install it ($580), but the issue persisted. I then went to a fourth shop, which again insisted it was a transfer case problem. However, since my vehicle is relatively new with low mileage, they recommended reinstalling the original transfer case. After doing so, I noticed only minor improvement, and soon the same wobbling and noise returned. So far, I have spent the following on unsuccessful repairs: $108 diagnostic fee $407 for a compatible used transfer case (purchased from eBay) $580 for the installation of the used transfer case $1,058 to replace the rear differential fluid and reinstall the original transfer case This totals $2,153 in expenses, yet the wobbling and noise issue remains unresolved.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 05/28/2025

The rear brake lights and rear signal indicator lights keep going in and out arbitrarily. It's dangerous because it will work fine and then just randomly stop working and then work again. People can't tell if I'm stopping or turning when this randomly occurs. This is currently not a recall on my Mini, however, I saw that it is a recall on other Minis and it seems mine is having the same issue so it's possible they all have similar or the same faulty wiring/electrical for the brake lights and signal indicator lights.

SEAT BELTS — Filed 11/17/2023

Seat Belt retractors on both drivers and passenger side failed. At the time of failure, seat belt would become loose then the locking mechanism of the retractor would engage and not disengage again. Even once the seat belt was retracted all the way to its storage position, the locking mechanism will not release. The driver side retractor failed and was replaced under certified preowned warranty on or around 06/03/2021 at Mini of Monrovia. No reason was given at this time as to why the failure had occurred. The passenger side retractor failed in the exact same manner on 11/17/2023 and the drivers side failed again on 12/05/2023. The vehicle was taken to Principal BMW Mini of San Antonio on 12/13/2023 for repair, after the technician confirmed that the identical issue had occurred on the passenger side, the drivers side was not able to be duplicated due to the lock releasing by the time the technician inspected it. Additionally, since the repair of the initial repair of the drivers side seat belt retractor, the buckle housing has fallen apart exposing the interior components to dirt, dust and debris. All repairs were were not completed due to the mileage of the vehicle being beyond the vehicle's warranty as stated by both the dealer, the regional service advisor and Mini USA Customer Service. No component of the seat belt system is subject to mileage based wear and tear and thus should not be wearing out in less that 8 years from the date of manufacture. Both instances of the seat belt retractor failing have resulted in unsafe riding conditions for my children who are too small to ride in the front seat. Since the retractor is a critical component of the restraint system, anything but 100% operation as designed is an unsafe condition for anyone riding in that seat. There is no telling what could occur in the event of a crash with the faults. Any failure of the seat belt retractor system on such a young vehicle, much less multiple identical failures, is unacceptable.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 07/24/2023

The contact owns a 2016 Mini Cooper S Countryman. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power; however, the contact was able to safely pull to the shoulder of the roadway. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality; however, the failure had since become a regular occurrence. Several warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that there was water damage within the footwell control module, and water damage to the ignition control module. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V337000 (Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 57,000.

AIR BAGS — Filed 09/16/2022

The contact owns a 2016 Mini Cooper S Countryman. The contact stated that intermittently the “Passenger restraint system malfunction - Fault in passenger-restraint system affecting air bag - Consult Nearest Service Center" message was displayed while the seat was occupied. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front passenger’s side seat sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was reoccurring more frequently. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 09/07/2021

The contact's daughter owns a 2016 Mini Cooper S Countryman. The contact stated that his daughter was informed by an independent mechanic that the vehicle could be started without the ignition key. The contact stated that his daughter tested the vehicle while the keys remained in the residence with him. The contact stated that his daughter was able to start and drive the vehicle without the ignition key. The dealer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact's daughter that she would be responsible for the cost of the diagnostic test and repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS — Filed 08/26/2021

I suddenly have a warning appear on my start menu including warning lights. Upon starting, The message states “ RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION! Fault in passenger-restraint system affecting airbag, belt tensioner or belt-force limiter. Continue to wear seatbelt. Have system checked by nearest Mini Center” I bought this car used less than a year ago, but my extended warranty does not cover electrical or restraint systems. I called BMW customer service and they said they could not help me. As it stands, my airbag will not deploy on the passenger side if I am in a crash.