2016 MINI Cooper S PacemanRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 9 owner complaints for the 2016 MINI Cooper S Paceman. Most complaints involve engine (4) and exterior lighting (2). The EPA rates it 28 mpg combined.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Engine4
- Exterior lighting2
- Electrical system1
- Power train1
- Steering1
- Seat belts1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
What owners report most
Engine
“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.”
Exterior lighting
“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 driver’s 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 driver’s 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 NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V222000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 34,000.”
Electrical system
“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 REQUIRED THE WHOLE TAIL LIGHT TO BE REPLACED. SHE ALSO STATED THAT I WAS LUCK THAT THE DAMAGE TO MY CAR LIMITED TO ONLY THE GROUND CONNECTOR AND THE LIGHT BULB HOLDER. I DID SOME RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND SEVERAL INSTANCES WHERE THE SAME PROBLEM HAD OCCURRED. IN ONE CASE THE PERSON HAD TO REPLACE BOTH TAIL LIGHTS. I BELIEVE THIS IS CONSIDERED A SAFETY HAZARD AND COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE A FIRE.”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- EPA class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S6) · Manual 6-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cooper S Paceman Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 31 | 28 | $2,850 | 321 |
| Cooper S Paceman Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 32 | 28 | $2,850 | 313 |
- 28mpg comb.
- 28mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Maintenance basics
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
2016 Cooper S Paceman questions
How many recalls does the 2016 MINI Cooper S Paceman have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 29, 2026.
What are the most common 2016 MINI Cooper S Paceman problems?
Owners filed 9 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (4), exterior lighting (2), electrical system (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2016 MINI Cooper S Paceman get?
The EPA rates the 2016 MINI Cooper S Paceman at 28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).