2016 Mini Countryman: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 15 owner complaints on record; most reports concern electrical system.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Sep 2017
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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 report · Air Bags · Sep 2022
“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2021
“I suddenly have a warning appear on my start menu including warning lights. Upon starting, The message states " 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 Center" 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.”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2021
Show 3 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Steering · Feb 2021
“While driving home, on highway, at highway speeds, I had the rear sunroof explode. Heard a single crack, then ~30 seconds later, sunroof exploded. Larger pieces of glass caught by sun net, however, fine particles of glass now cover rear seat. No known prior damage.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 2018
“I was on a city street going approximately 15 mph when a pickup truck in the lane to my right tried to turn into a driveway I was approaching to my left- his car hit mine and my car rolled over onto the roof and the airbags didn't deploy.”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2018
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
Curt Manufacturing LLC (Curt) is recalling certain Class 1 trailer hitches, part number 11451, sold for installation on 2016-2018 Mini Cooper Clubman and Countryman vehicles. The vehicles may have inadequate structure points for the trailer hitch mounting, causing the hitch to sag under to certain loads and possibly separate from the vehicle.
Remedy: Curt will notify owners, and dealers will provide a replacement hitch, free of charge. The recall began on October 20, 2017. Owners may contact Curt customer service at 1-800-798-0813.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2016 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Countryman by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Mini Countryman reliable?
NHTSA has 15 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2016 Mini Countryman. The most complained-about area is electrical system.
Does the 2016 Mini Countryman have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning trailer hitches. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.