2016 Mini Cooper

28 complaints on file, page 1 of 2.

1. Filed Jun 22, 2026Failure May 1, 2026Las Vegas, NVElectrical system, Engine

   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)

   NHTSA complaint 11745527
2. Filed Jan 16, 2026Failure Jan 2, 2026Oriental, NCEngine, Fuel/propulsion system

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11711458
3. Filed Aug 4, 2025Failure May 28, 2025Long Beach, CAElectrical system, Exterior lighting, Unknown or other

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11678331
4. Filed Jan 31, 2025Failure Jan 8, 2025Zebulon, NCEngine

   Oil filter housing failure. MINI issued a recall for this part in 2014 when the third generation MINI Cooper S/JCW first launched. Unfortunately they did not fix the part and now as time goes on, the issue is occurring with high frequency on every BMW/MINI and Toyota Supra with the BMW B46/B48 2.0L turbocharged engine. The plastic oil filter housings crack causing oil and coolant to leak. In my case oil poured down the front of the hot engine which could have caused a fire. BMW/MINI dealers charge nearly $2500 to repair this failure. The ODI should investigate this concern as it has been reported dozens of times on each model with this engine including the BMW X1 28i/M35, BMW X2 28i/M35, BMW X3 30i, BMW X4 30i, BMW 328i/330i, BMW 528i/530i, BMW 330e hybrid, BMW 530e hybrid, BMW Z4, Toyota Supra 2.0T, MINI Cooper S/JCW 3-door and 5-door, MINI Countryman, MINI Cooper S/JCW Convertible, etc. BMW is aware of this common failure. Thus far BMW has refused to issue a service campaign or recall for this problem which causes owners of these affected vehicles to be out of pocket thousands of dollars. If oil drips onto hot exhaust or into a wiring harness, it could easily cause a fire.

   NHTSA complaint 11639876
5. Filed Jan 17, 2025Failure Jan 13, 2025Omaha, NEEngine, Power train

   Drivetrain error occurred. I pulled codes and found P0015. I added oil, cleared code. The next day the drivetrain error popped back up. Pulled codes and found P0366. I took the vehicle to mechanic for diagnostics and to find the issue. They found faults: 130F11 and 120408. When replacing engine oil and filter, they found metal shavings in the oil; bearing material. They are recommending replacing the engine. Doing research, it appears this has been a common occurrence with these vehicles/engines. Is there a current recall on some of these engines, or a possibility for a discounted replacement due to the issues being widespread? The car has less than 74,000 miles, and the mechanic said it looks like it may have been going on a while. I purchased this car from a used dealership less than 3 months ago, and have already encountered so many unexpected issues. I really expected more from the Mini brand. Thanks.

   NHTSA complaint 11636617
6. Filed Sep 12, 2024Failure Aug 31, 2024Simpsonville, SCElectrical system, Service brakes

   While driving straight on an Interstate highway at approximately 65 mph, the right front and left rear brakes momentarily locked up after the windshield wipers were turned on due to light rain starting to fall. This happened multiple times, only when the wipers were turned on. There were no warning lights illuminated in the instrument cluster or dash displays. This nearly caused a loss of vehicle control on several occasions and nearly caused an accident as well. The car has been routinely serviced to factory schedules including brake fluid time based changes. There appeared to be some occasional delay in the release of the brakes when starting from a stop. The brakes were serviced after this incident and the service center recommended completing a few panic stops to operate the ABS system. They could not explain how the wiper system can cause one circuit of the braking system to operate momentarily. A search of web forums for the F56 series MINI shows that this random locking of the RF & LR brakes with teh wipers in operation has happened to quite a few other owners of similar Mini Coopers. This problem creates a very significant safety risk.

   NHTSA complaint 11614123
7. Filed Aug 20, 2024Failure Aug 1, 2023Springfield, VAEngine

   Had recurring engine warning light which will only reset for one ignition cycle. Took to dealer to read code and result was "LIN bus communication fault for environmental air catalyst sensor". This is the same problem drivers of the Mini Cooper S model have reported and received an extended warranty from Mini of North America (15 year / 150000 mi) with replacement of sensor and radiator. However, talking with Mini of North America, the extended warranty does not apply to the base model 5-door Cooper because not enough complaints have been recorded. If more people report this issue, it could be covered just as the S-model is being covered. In the meantime, the car will not pass an emissions inspection with the light on, and Mini dealer wants $2000 to replace radiator and sensor. Car currently has about 70,000 miles on it, but engine light as been on for approximately 15 months (emissions inspection is required every 24 months). I have a decent code reader, but it only provides "U019D generic code" which is why I took it to Mini dealer.

   NHTSA complaint 11609588
8. Filed Jul 31, 2024Failure Jul 31, 2024Scottsdale, AZElectrical system, Exterior lighting

   Rear passenger tail light casing/bucket had burnt connections. Replaced casing/bucket and bulb. Worked for short time, tail light failed a second time. Casing/bucket & bulb replaced, again worked for short time and then went out. Took vehicle to another mechanic after passenger side headlight failed. New mechanic checked casings/bucket - connections looked okay, however both wiring harnesses were severely burnt. Headlight harness was all bare wires. Mechanic unable to determine cause of the severe heat that would lead to both the headlight & taillight wiring harnesses becoming burnt so severely. Mechanic was concerned of the potential for this issue to cause vehicle fire. Suggested to follow up with dealership to have lights & wiring harnesses on Driver side checked After research online regarding this year/make/model - I have found numerous other reports of other owners experiencing the same issues with burned wiring harnesses causing both front and rear light failure with no known causes.

   NHTSA complaint 11605757
9. Filed Jul 10, 2024Failure Jun 13, 2024Tucson, AZEngine

   My Mini service adviser said the timing case cover is seeping and will continue to get worse until the seep becomes a leak and the oil starts dripping onto the manifold, potentially creating a fire. It is at the seepage stage now and therefore my extended warranty will not fix it. My Mini service adviser said she doesn’t think it is dangerous yet but I have to keep an eye on it as this is a common problem on Minis. They quoted me a price of $934 to replace the timing case cover itself. I researched the problem online and found this is a common problem and will need my attention to ensure it doesn’t get dangerous before I’m able to get it repaired.

   NHTSA complaint 11600982
10. Filed Feb 22, 2024Failure Feb 12, 2024Ankeny, IAEngine

    Notes from Beckley Auto Service from 2-12-24. "Verified warning light on, retrieved one code for LIN bus communication fault for environmental air catalyst sensor. Checked and found technical service bulletin (TSB) from Mini Cooper M13 01 19. The chemical composition of the fan shroud contaminates the sensor. This repair involves the replacing of the radiator with each sensor and fan shroud. Should be covered under Mini Coopers emissions warranty. Called Mini Cooper of Des Moines(Jerimiah) and was advised that this vehicle does not have and extended parts warranty/warranty extension on the environmental sensor. Would recommend contacting Mini Cooper Customer service or Mini Cooper North America for assistance." I did contact Mini Cooper customer service North America and was told my vin does not fall within this TSB. When asked why my vehicle with the identical engine and issues specified in the TSB is not covered I was told, "I don't know."

    NHTSA complaint 11573298
11. Filed Feb 3, 2024Failure Jan 19, 2024Denver, COElectrical system, Exterior lighting

    * Component/ system that has malfunctioned and failed - The Driver side tail light circuit board and pig tail malfunctioned. The connector has corroded and the plastic plug housing looks melted on the earth / brown wire. This in return damages the the ground connection for the tail light rendering the turn signal the reverse light and the brake light inoperable on the effected side. YES, MY VEHICLE IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT ANY TIME. *A driver behind an affected vehicle could be confused which could increase the risk of a crash. *The vehicle has been inspected by a licensed MINI Dealership. They failed to report two of the three nonworking rear lights that have failed due to the connector becoming corroded. The corroded plastic plug housing becomes melted on the earth / brown wire. This in return damages the the ground connection for the tail light rendering the turn signal and brake light inoperable on the effected side. In this case it is the rear driver side. *There was/ is no warning until long after the first second and/ or third rear light(S) were not operable. Intermittently (sometimes) a warning will popup when turning on the vehicle. The vehicle will not warn the driver about and and / or all three lights each and every time the vehicle is turned on. ALSO while the vehicle is in drive or in reverse , the driver will not have any warning what so ever that the three lights 1. The driver side rear break light 2. The driver side rear reverse light 3. The driver side rear turn signal are not working due to a malfunction. * note that there is a very strong burnt/melted smell that comes from the connector as well. I could smell it on my fingers after removing the connector so I could check the rear bulbs for replacement. Please note the 1st photo-this is how the dealership left my connector after their assessment. Additional photos are of the connector/ pig tail/ circuit board corrosion. Intermittent warrnings for some of the nonworking lights.

    NHTSA complaint 11569727
12. Filed Jan 1, 2024Failure Dec 31, 2023Simpsonville, SCElectrical system, Exterior lighting

    There is a design issue resulting in failure of the connector for the rear tail light assembly. The connector corrodes and the plastic plug housing melts. This damages the ground connection for the tail light rendering the turn signal and brake light inoperable on the effected side. This has happened on the right rear of our Mini Cooper JCW hardtop. Searching on the web shows this to be a common problem for the F55, F56 & F57 MINIs. As this failure makes the car brake light system non-compliant with FMVSS lighting requirements, there should be a recall to address this issue.

    NHTSA complaint 11562935
13. Filed Dec 23, 2023Failure Nov 15, 2023Brookline, MAPower train

    Error signal "Secure vehicle with parking brake when stopped" Mini dealer says "common problem" with Mini transmissions and always due to fluid leaking thru shifter onto gear shift mechanism. Lots of forums stating this is common. Unclear why Mini not taking responsibility for this due to poor design. How many cars ever get a failure such as this? None that I can find except MIni and BMW with similar transmissions.

    NHTSA complaint 11561607
14. Filed Oct 27, 2023Failure Oct 12, 2023Hot Springs, AREquipment1 injured

    *The condensation drain hose is not properly draining the condensate from the vehicle. The micro-filter is is absorbing condensate water from the evaporator housing. *After a while the water that sits, turns to mold. You dont know about it until it gets to that point. You breathe in mold, constantly until you figure out where it is coming from. *The problem has been confirmed and also confirmed that its a known problem to have with these cars *Yes the care has been inspected by the dealer. *There are no warnings at all

    NHTSA complaint 11552298
15. Filed Aug 16, 2023Failure Aug 14, 2023Wheaton, ILPower train

    About two days ago I noticed my MINI started showing an error every time I got into the vehicle saying "Secure vehicle against rolling" I have seen numerous different discussions online but none seemed to come to a solution or single cause of this error. Everything still shifts completely fine in the car, the parking brake engages, and the car shifts into park fine. Seems to be a common problem, it's a shame MINI has not addressed it as a recall.

    NHTSA complaint 11538855
16. Filed Apr 12, 2023Failure Apr 2, 2023Lynnwood, WAElectrical system, Exterior lighting

    Rear tail lights have a bulb socket and a 6-pin connector that have a tendency to burn at the brown ground wire where the connector and bulb socket meet. Requiring replacement of both parts and disabling the rear tail light (brake, turn, and reverse lights). It requires rewiring the 6-pin connector and replacing the bulb socket. About $60 in parts. When this occurs it an alert comes on the dash of a malfunction to all three rear lighting functions. One or all three of the lights can be affected. However, due to the complexity of the parts and labor required, it can be burdensome for people to diagnose and then afford to repair, if they don’t know how to repair themselves. Web searches helped me diagnose the issue and find the burnt connections on our vehicle, with folks commenting of a known issue on MINIs and BMWs for this type of connection, surprised it hasn’t been part of a recall. An example can be found here: https://www.mini2.com/threads/solution-driver-side-tail-light-failure-melted-connector.361711/

    NHTSA complaint 11516815
17. Filed Apr 1, 2023Failure Feb 8, 2023San Jose, CAPower train

    "Secure Vehicle from Rolling" comes up in instrument cluster and millions of Mini/BMW's have this problem due to a faulty gear shifter selector knob going bad due to a spring in the gear selector box. Annoying because the part fails over time and dealer wants $3000 for the fix. Please help!!

    NHTSA complaint 11514968
18. Filed Feb 25, 2023Failure Feb 17, 2023Atlanta, GAExterior lighting

    Tail light assembly including brake light and turn signal failed due to burnt electrical socket and connector. This is caused by a faulty grounding point that is very clearly a manufacturing issue but wasn't considered as a recall for some odd reason. This issue is prominent in several BMW 3,4, and 5 series models

    NHTSA complaint 11509134
19. Filed Oct 17, 2022Failure Oct 17, 2022Charlotte, NCPower train

    I purchased this vehicle on 9/03/2019 with 29,871 miles. I had to replace the clutch on 5/11/2020 at 39,690 miles. I am now having to purchase yet ANOTHER clutch on 10/17/2022 with 58,850 miles. Two clutches within 3 years is just unacceptable!

    NHTSA complaint 11489667
20. Filed Oct 1, 2022Failure Aug 24, 2022Wappingers Falls, NYEngine

    Transmission-get message when opening car door to put parking brake on to secure vehicle from rolling… Car does not roll, goes into gear with no problem… on the mini message board a lot of owners getting the same message….

    NHTSA complaint 11487381