*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Structure › Body
Nada
Oct 3, 2025Power train
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…
Jun 5, 2025Seat belts
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 Even once the seat belt was retracted all the way to its storage position, the locking mechanism will not release.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…
Nov 17, 2023Electrical system
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…
Jul 24, 2023 · 57,000 milesAir bags › Air bag/restraint control module
The contact owns a 2016 Mini Cooper S Countryman. The contact stated that intermittently the âPassenger 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 passengerâs 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.
Sep 16, 2022 · 86,000 milesElectrical system › Ignition
The contact's daughter owns a 2016 Mini Cooper S Countryman. The contact stated that his daughter was informed by an independent mechanic that the vehicle could be started without the ignition key. The contact stated that his daughter tested the vehicle while the keys remained in the residence with him. The contact stated that his daughter was able to start and drive the vehicle without the ignition key. The dealer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact's daughter that she would be responsible for the cost of the diagnostic test and repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
Sep 7, 2021 · 60,000 milesAir bags
I suddenly have a warning appear on my start menu including warning lights. Upon starting, The message states â RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION! Fault in passenger-restraint system affecting airbag, belt tensioner or belt-force limiter. Continue to wear seatbelt. Have system checked by nearest Mini Centerâ I bought this car used less than a year ago, but my extended warranty does not cover electrical or restraint systems. I called BMW customer service and they said they could not help me. As it stands, my airbag will not deploy on the passenger side if I am in a crash.
Aug 26, 2021Steering
WENT TO GAS UP MY 2016 MINI COOPER COUNTRYMAN ALL4 S, AFTER GASSING I STARTED THE CAR AND STARTED PULLING AWAY FROM GAS PUMP STATION WHEN SUDDENLY I FELT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS HARD AND HEAVY TO STEER THEN THERE'S WARNING LIGHT ON DASHBOARD SAYING STEERING WHEEL ASSISTANCE MALFUNCTION. I PULLED OVER TO NEXT PARKING SPOT AND TRIED TURNING ENGINE OFF AND ON AND STEERING WHEEL STILL FEELS HARD AND HEAVY TO TURN LEFT OR RIGHT. MY DAD EVENTUALLY DROVE THE CAR SLOWLY TO CAR SHOP NEARBY BUT CAR SHOP SAID CAR NEEDS TO BE EVALUATED BY DEALERSHIP SO HE DROVE IT TO DEALERSHIP FOR EVALUATION. MY DAD STATES CAR DRIVABLE BUT STEERING IS HARD
Feb 27, 2021 · 60,760 miles
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.