Problems · NHTSA complaints

2016 MINI Cooper S Countryman problems

Owners filed 24 complaints about the 2016 MINI Cooper S Countryman with NHTSA between May 2017 and Oct 2025. The most-cited component is engine (8).

Complaints
24
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
6
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine8
  2. Electrical system5
  3. Air bags4
  4. Steering3
  5. Power train3
  6. Seat belts3
  7. Structure2
  8. Exterior lighting2
  9. Other / unknown3

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20172
20186
20192
20201
20215
20221
20231
20242
20254

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Engine

8 reports5 fires
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 22, 2025EngineODI 11675501

Electrical system

5 reports2 fires
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 22, 2023Electrical systemODI 11540106

Air bags

4 reports1 crash
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 16, 2022Air bagsODI 11497798

Steering

3 reports1 fire
“Nada”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 4, 2025Steering, Power train, StructureODI 11691328

Power train

3 reports1 crash
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 9, 2025Power train, Unknown or otherODI 11685980

Seat belts

3 reports
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 3, 2024Seat beltsODI 11563425
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.