CarRecallWatchThe 2016 Mini Cooper S has 3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA, including 1 crash, 2 fires.
The most-reported problem area is Engine (4 reports).
2016 Mini Cooper S recalls
Inner brake light can go out when signaling a turn
When the brakes are applied while the turn signal is on, the inner brake light mounted on the bumper may turn off.
Driver's seat belt may not lock properly in a crash
The driver's seat belt retractor on certain 2016-2017 BMW, MINI, and Rolls-Royce vehicles may not lock as designed.
Passenger airbag may not deploy properly in low-speed crash
The passenger-side frontal airbag in these vehicles may not deploy properly in a low-speed crash.
Most common 2016 Mini Cooper S problems
Problem areas named in the 10 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4 |
| Power Train | 2 |
| Electrical System | 2 |
| Exterior Lighting | 2 |
| Seat Belts | 1 |
| Steering | 1 |
What owners report
On September 13, 2026, my vehicle experienced a failure of the internal Steptronic automatic transmission gear selector position-detection return spring (torsion spring). This mechanical failure triggered persistent dashboard safety warnings reading: "P Secure vehicle against rolling" and "Transmission: Secure vehicle with parking brake when stopped. Consult service center." Even though the vehicle physically shifts into Park, the broken internal spring prevents the magnet from signaling the sensor. This creates an immediate safety hazard, confusion regarding vehicle state, and an increased risk of vehicle rollaway. MINI is aware of this systematic component failure and issued a 10-year/120,
Front passenger side motor mount failed pretty terribly, the rubber completely slipped off the engine side mount leaving a severe engine vibration. The mount is very under engineered. Ours failed at 27,0000 miles.
The contact owns a 2016 Mini Cooper S. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "Left brake lamp and Tailgate light malfunction" was displayed and while depressing the brake pedal the driverâs side rear brake light failed to illuminate. Additionally, the left turn signal was blinking quickly while activated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the rear brake light bulbs, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the driverâs side brake sensor wiring harness was melted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHT
There have been thousands upon thousands of failures of the oil cooler/oil filter housing on all BMW/MINI B46/B48 2.0T engines. This problem dates back to 2014 when BMW issued a stop sale order and recall on the 2014 MINI Cooper with both the 1.5L I3 (B38) and 2.0L I4 (B48) engines. Since 2014, the engine has been installed in over two million vehicles sold in the United States under the BMW, MINI, Karma, and Toyota brands. There is a defect with the oil cooler/oil filter housing that leads to coolant and oil leaks due to the plastic housing failing after being heat cycled a certain number of times. It has gotten so bad that numerous aftermarket metal replacement parts exist to try and pre
WHILE DRIVING HOME THURSDAY NIGHT I RECEIVED LEFT TAIL LIGHT MALFUNCTION WARING ON MY DASH PANEL WITH THE TURN SIGNAL BLINKING EXTREMELY FAST. AFTER ARRIVING HOME I CHECKED THE LIGHT AND FOUND THAT THE TAIL LIGHT INOPERATIVE AND THE TURN SIGNALS WERE EXTREMELY DIM. THE NEXT MORNING I CALLED TUCSON MINI AND TOLD THEM THE PROBLEM. THE SA STATED TO BRING THE CAR IN AND THEY WOULD CHECK OUT THE PROBLEM. UPON INSPECTION THEY FOUND THAT THE L/H TAIL LIGHT GROUND CONNECTOR AND THE BULB CONNECTOR MELTED. I ASK THE SA WHAT WOULD CAUSE THIS PROBLEM AND SHE COULD NOT ANSWER THIS PROBLEM. BUT SHE DID MAKE A COMMENT THAT SHE HAD SEEN HUNDREDS OF THESE PROBLEMS. SOME WHICH CAUSED ENOUGH DAMAGE THAT REQUIR
2016 Mini Cooper S questions
Does the 2016 Mini Cooper S have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2016 Mini Cooper S: Inner brake light can go out when signaling a turn; Driver's seat belt may not lock properly in a crash; Passenger airbag may not deploy properly in low-speed crash. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Mini Cooper S?
Based on 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (4), Power Train (2), Electrical System (2).
How do I check if a recall on my 2016 Mini Cooper S has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.