Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2016 MINI Countryman, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Engine4
- Air bags4
- Electrical system4
- Unknown or other3
- Seat belts2
- Steering2
- Power train2
- Structure2
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 0 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 3 2016 Countryman vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 2 people died inside them, and 1 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2016 MINI Countryman failed the safety check 1.24% of the time — 37% less often than the average 2016 passenger car (1.97%). Median odometer at inspection: 64,105 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Registered new in Europe in 2016
493 new MINI Countryman cars were registered in the EU, Norway and Iceland in 2016; the largest markets were Spain (272), Germany (170), France (38).
- Average mass
- 1,553 kg
- Average power
- 126 kW
- Fuel type recorded
- Petrol 58% · Diesel 42%
European Environment Agency, CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars · averages weighted by registrations; CO₂ is the type-approval value; fuel type as recorded at registration, where many non-plug-in hybrids appear as petrol · re-use permitted with acknowledgement
In the Netherlands
21 first registered in 2016 are on Dutch roads; 86% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €51,811.
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde7
- Band onvoldoende profiel4
- Band beschadigd4
- Dimlicht onjuist afgesteld2
- Motorsteunrubber doorgescheurd/vulkanisatie geheel los2
- Band vertoont uitstulping(en)1
- Retroreflector vertoont gebrek1
- Slijtage/beschadiging wiellager hoorbaar of voelbaar1
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
7,858 cars built in 2016 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 102 more were declared off the road (SORN).
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 9,261 of these cars first registered in 2016 took their annual MOT test. 86% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2016 the figure was 79%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 5.8% | 6.2% |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 4.2% | 6.1% |
| Brakes | 2.3% | 4.3% |
| Visibility | 1.6% | 3.5% |
| Suspension | 0.8% | 4.9% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.7% | 1.7% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
In New Zealand
1 2016 cars are on the New Zealand register.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Recalls in Canada
1 Transport Canada recall for the 2016 MINI Countryman.
| 2024544 15 Aug 2024 | Label Issue: On certain vehicles, the tire and loading information label does not list that there is no spare tire in both official languages. The label reads as "N… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
No recall campaigns cover the 2016 MINI Countryman.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What MINI told its dealers about the 2016 MINI Countryman: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11006765 | For the eligible vehicles listed above, the limited warranty for the vehicles Selector Lever Magnetic Shift Interlock Mechanism (Gearshift lug assembly portion) has been extended to: 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicles original in-service date, When a gearshift lug repair kit (item # 2) installation procedure is required to be performed to address a displayed Check Control message (CCM) that states: "P not engaged - secure vehicle with parking brake against rolling away." |
| 10249431 | Customer complains of a musty odor or damp front footwell carpet. |
| 10245428 | Cavity protection applied to underside of the hood is leaking out onto the wheel arch trim and grille. |
| 10244507 | MINI electrical systems have continued to develop over the past few years. As a result, the demand on the batteries has increased. Breakdowns due to an empty battery or problems in the vehicles electrical system can have various causes, most of which are not due to the battery itself. For this reason, a battery replacement will permanently eliminate the problem only in the rarest of cases. The energy diagnosis test module helps to localize these causes. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle discharged battery complaints. Without performing the energy |
| 10216709 | MINI crankshaft guide bearing service action (update 2) |
| 10216708 | Mini parts logistics TEC 26 turbo charger return |
| 10216707 | Mini parts logistics TEC 25 wishbone return |
| 10215022 | MINI Engine oil: repair order invoicing procedure - For covered repairs, effective with repair/claim dates on or after August 1, 2017 Warranties will only reimburse in exact quantities - the 1/10 liter "billing part numbers" for the applicable bulk engine oil (tanker or drum) that is needed after the completion of an engine repair (partial or full) or when an "Engine oil" maintenance service task is performed. |
| 10206696 | New RDC wheel electronics will be introduced with future generation MINI models. The new wheel electronics are identified as Huf Generation 5. These new wheel electronics will need to be programmed using the new tool when replaced or when depressurized (0 psi) for more than 2 minutes. |
| 10160298 | N18 THERMOSTAT WITH THERMOSTAT HOUSING: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/ This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI M01 02 18 dated May 2018. |
| 10160229 | N18 THERMOSTAT WITH THERMOSTAT HOUSING: LIMITED WARRANTYEXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/ This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI M01 02 18 dated May 2018. |
| 10152680 | "MANUAL TRANSMISSION - STIFF DIAGONAL GEARSHIFT LEVER MOVEMENT. The customer may complain of a ""stiff diagonal shift"" (e.g., N-R, R-N, 2-3/3-2 or 4-5/5-4). Also, in some cases, gears cannot be selected, or the selector gear does not go into the neutral position. CAUSE 1. The deflection lever circlip of the gearshift mechanism is damaged or missing. 2. Possible corrosion at the gearshift mechanism (shift cables or transmission gearshift unit)" |
| 10152338 | Door Open Message Displayed, Even Though Door Is Closed. The customer complains that while driving, a CCM (check control message) indicates the doors are open, even though they are closed. Also, sometimes the gong will sound and the interior lights will go on and off. Unspecified FRM (footwell module) door lock status due to voltage variations |
| 10151349 | Bluetooth Connection Failures This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI M84 01 14 dated February 2016.. There are various connectivity failures with the following devices: Apple iPhones Samsung S6 and the S6 Edge. Connectivity failure examples are: Call disconnection - Call is transferred back to the handset. In some instances the call is then transferred back to the vehicle. Contact List incomplete General connection failures Apple iOS software (issue started with iOS 8.3 continues with iOS 9.x and its variants) Samsung S6 and S6 Edge device firmware |
| 10151347 | Delay in Automatic Driving Light Switching on/off. When driving out of a tunnel or exiting underground parking, the automatic driving light remains switched on for two minutes. Shut-off period varies based on detected situation. This is normal operational behavior. |
| 10151060 | This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI M84 01 14 dated November 2014. SUBJECT Bluetooth Connection Failures. There are various connectivity failures with the following devices: z Apple iPhones z Samsung S6 and the S6 Edge. Connectivity failure examples are: z Call disconnection - Call is transferred back to the handset. In some instances the call is then transferred back to the vehicle. z Contact List incomplete z General connection failures z Apple iOS software (issue started with iOS 8.3 continues with iOS 9.x and its variants) z Samsung S6 and S6 Edge device firmware |
| 10147906 | Surface Cracks on the Water Pump Drive Pulley. During a repair, service or inspection, the drive pulley on the water pump shows signs of cracking. No part replacement is necessary unless there is another issue found that will be corrected by replacing the drive pulley. |
| 10147904 | New programming feature: Exclusion of Infotainment Control Units from Programming. |
| 10147800 | The Blower Motor is Faulty. The blower motor does not operate at any fan speed. The blower motor may work intermittently with the blower fan speed operating only on FULL speed. CAUSE The blower motor is faulty and causes the blower resistor to fail. |
| 10147799 | Door Open Message Displayed, Even Though Door Is Closed. While driving, a CCM (Check Control Message) indicates the doors are open, even though they are closed. Also, sometimes the gong will sound and the interior lights will go on and off. The FRM (Footwell Module) sees an incorrect door lock status caused by voltage variations in the door locks. |
| 10147794 | "MINI Motorer-Focused Satisfaction (MFS) Program. Based on Motorer feedback, MINI has determined that during the first three years of service, some vehicles may require specific additional service work to be performed. To address this issue, MINI USA, a division of BMW of North America, LLC (""MINI USA"") is providing the following Motorer-Focused Satisfaction (MFS) Program. This program's procedures have been available to you to address specific Motorers' concerns since September 1, 2014. As part of our Motorer Pledge to deliver an incredible MINI motoring experience, for the abovereferenced |
| 10147704 | "Discharged Battery: Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed. MINI electrical systems and advancements in vehicle technology have resulted in an increased demand on the vehicle battery. This SI will help the dealer handle ""discharged battery"" complaints. A discharged battery can have various causes, most unrelated to the battery. A failed battery is often the symptom and not the cause. A fully serviceable battery fails when an electrical component causes the battery to discharge; the battery becomes internally damaged and must be replaced. For more information, refer to http://www.batteryuniversi |
| 10147699 | N18:MINI Fuel Additive. INFORMATION Because carbon deposit buildup is related to fuel quality, it is not considered a defect in the vehicle's materials or workmanship. Consequently, the use of MINI Fuel Additive as outlined in this bulletin is not covered under the terms of the MINI New Passenger Car Limited Warranty, MINI Maintenance Program, any applicable Federal, State or MINI Emissions Warranty or the MINI Next Certified Pre-Owned Limited Warranty. [ Copyright (c)2015 BMW of North America, Inc. ] https://www.minitis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/217.. |
| 10147694 | Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits. Analysis of FASTA data and repeat repair visit reports indicates that there are many fault codes that are stored in the above vehicles, but they are not diagnosed to identify their root cause. Fault codes that are not diagnosed to find their root cause can lead to a repeat repair visit to the workshop by the customer. Where diagnosis (vehicle or short test) with ISTA has already started, it is important to diagnose the fault code(s) listed below (when they are stored in the vehicle) during the current workshop visit. This will h |
| 10147644 | "This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI M84 02 14 dated December 2014. PERFORM THE PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THIS SERVICE INFORMATION ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES BEFORE CUSTOMER DELIVERY OR THE NEXT TIME THEY ARE IN THE SHOP FOR MAINTENANCE OR REPAIRS. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT Service Action: Bluetooth Software (KISU Data) Update. This Service Action is being released to improve customer satisfaction as we strive to be number 1 in the JD Power Initial Quality Survey (IQS). This new KISU software improves the Bluetooth functionality in our vehicles, and it helps to keep us |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)