2016 Mini Cooper s problems

General information about Mini-Cooper s
Overview of popular issues
Recalls list

The Mini (stylised as MINI) supermini range, marketed under various names such as Mini Cooper, Mini Hatch, Mini Hardtop, Mini One, and Mini John Cooper Works, are a family of retro-styled three-door hatchback, two-door convertible, and five-door hatchback (since 2014). The range was introduced in July 2001, following the acquisition of the Mini brand by German automaker BMW.

BMW first unveiled the Mini hatch concept car at the 1997 Frankfurt International Motor Show, when the Mini brand was still part of the BMW-owned Rover Group. Developed as a successor to the original Mini, the styling of the concept car was well received by the public and further developed. The new Mini range was launched by BMW in 2001, one year after their sale of the Rover Group in March 2000, and the classic Mini's discontinuation that same year. Under BMW ownership, the brand later grew its line-up by adding larger models such as the Clubman in 2007, the Countryman in 2010, the Paceman in 2012, and the Aceman in 2024.

The second generation was launched in 2006 and the third, adding a longer 4/5-door hatchback, in 2014. A two-door convertible version was added in 2004, followed by its second generation in 2008. With the launch of the fourth generation in 2024, the Mini Hatch has been renamed to Mini Cooper.

BMW also developed several battery electric versions of the Mini, starting with the Mini E in 2009 developed only for field trials, followed by the mass-produced Mini Electric in 2019, and succeeded by the Mini Cooper E/SE in 2023 which uses a dedicated electric vehicle platform.

Mini models under BMW ownership are produced in Cowley, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom at Plant Oxford. Between July 2014 and February 2024, 3-door production was shared with VDL Nedcar in Born, Netherlands. The Mini convertible was only assembled in the Netherlands between 2015 and 2024. From 2024, all next generation combustion engined Mini hatch and convertible production will be centred at Oxford. Since late 2023, the electric Mini Cooper is developed and produced in China at the Spotlight Automotive joint venture facility in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu.

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Common 2016 Mini Cooper s problems

Common Problems with the Mini Cooper S 2016 based on Complaints from Owners:

Drive System: The Mini Cooper S 2016 has been reported to have issues with the drive system, including driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, and electronic stability control. These problems can affect the car's performance, safety, and overall reliability.

Engine Electrical: Mini Cooper S 2016 owners have reported engine electrical issues, such as sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor) and emission-control devices (includes EGR) failures. These problems can affect the car's fuel efficiency, emissions, and overall performance.

Brakes: Brake problems have been reported by Mini Cooper S 2016 owners, including premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, and regenerative braking. These issues can affect the car's safety and performance, potentially requiring expensive repairs.

Fuel System/Emissions: Mini Cooper S 2016 owners have reported problems with the fuel system/emissions, including sensors, emission-control devices, fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, and problems filling up the tank. These issues can affect the car's fuel efficiency, emissions, and overall performance.

Electrical Accessories: Mini Cooper S 2016 owners have reported issues with electrical accessories, including warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, and wireless charging pad. These problems can range from software glitches to hardware failures, causing inconvenience and potentially requiring expensive repairs.

Noises and Leaks: Mini Cooper S 2016 owners have reported noises and leaks, including squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks, AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage, engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt, accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks, radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating, paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, and rust. These problems can affect the car's performance, safety, and overall reliability, potentially requiring expensive repairs.

These common problems with the Mini Cooper S 2016 based on complaints from owners highlight the importance of regular maintenance, timely repairs, and careful driving to ensure the car's longevity and reliability.

Is the 2016 Mini Cooper reliable?

Love this car

It's a beautiful car, incredibly fun to drive, and surprisingly fits tall folks well (my husband is 6'5”). The 2016 model is high in reliability according to CR, and I haven't found it to be different.

What is the most common problem with Mini Coopers?

Issue #1: Engine Overheating in Mini Cooper S (2007-2010)

Oil cooler leaks have also been reported on some vehicles. These problems cause the engine to gradually overheat, leading to coolant loss and severe damage if left unchecked. Head gasket failure is a common result of the engine overheating in the R56 Cooper S.

Is Mini Coopers engine reliable?

MINI Coopers are, for the most part, reliable vehicles. However, they do suffer from a high frequency of costly repairs, primarily due to the heritage of the powerplant nestled beneath the bug-eyed hood.

How many miles will a 2016 Mini Cooper last?

How Long Do MINI Coopers Last? The MINI Cooper is the type of car that's designed to last a long time. A MINI Cooper that's well cared for can last anywhere between 75 thousand miles to 150 thousand miles. Depending on how much you drive the car, it can last a long time.

2016 Mini Cooper s complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2016 Mini Cooper s.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2016 Mini Cooper s recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2016 Mini Cooper s.

2017-03-31

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2016-2017 MINI Cooper Clubman, Cooper S Clubman and JCW Clubman vehicles. When the affected vehicles are braking and the turn signals are on, the inner, bumper-mounted, brake light will go out. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: If the brake light does not illuminate when a turn signal is activated, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MINI will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the vehicle to correct the brake lighting, free of charge. The recall began May 22, 2017. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.

2016-10-17

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, MINI Hardtop 4 Door Cooper, Mini Hardtop 4 Door Cooper S, MINI Cooper Clubman, and Cooper S Clubman, 2017 Rolls-Royce Ghost, and 2016 528i vehicles. The vehicle-sensitive locking mechanism of the seat belt Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) for the driver's seat may not lock as designed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
Consequence: In the event of a crash where heavy braking is applied, the Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) may activate when the occupant is more forward in the seat, possibly increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat belt assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 3, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

2015-10-07

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper two-door vehicles, 2015-2016 MINI John Cooper Works and MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper four-door vehicles and 2014-2015 BMW i3 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the passenger frontal air bag may not deploy properly in a low speed crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence: In the event of a vehicle crash, an air bag that does not deploy properly increases the risk of injury to the front seat passenger.
Remedy: MINI and BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on November 25, 2015. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525 and BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2016 Mini Cooper s problems:

Any known issues with 2016 2 Door Hardtop S? : r/MINI

https://www.reddit.com/r/MINI/comments/t8vao4/any_known_issues_with_2016_2_door_hardtop_s/

Mar 7, 2022 ... The only common-ish problem is the upper engine mount is made of rubber and cracks from wear. There's a lot of torque coming out of a pretty ...

Common issues: 2016 Mini Hardtop 4 door HB S - North American ...

https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/f55-f56-f57-stock-problems-issues/349040-common-issues-2016-mini-hardtop-4-door-hb-s.html

Jun 14, 2020 ... The only common enough issue which has surfaced plenty of occasions is the engine motor mount, particularly the passenger side mount. This is an ...

2016 Mini Cooper Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost

https://repairpal.com/cars/mini/cooper/2016

Most Common 2016 Mini Cooper Problems ... There are reports of premature clutch wear on cars equipped with manual transmissions. clutch replacement on these...

2016 Mini Cooper Reliability - Consumer Reports

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/mini/cooper/2016/reliability/

Owner Reported Trouble Spots · In-car Electronics · Drive System · Engine Electrical · Brakes · Fuel System/Emissions · Electrical Accessories · Noises And Leaks.