Fuel System/Emissions
Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.
2016
Mini Cooper
EPA MPG:
30 mpg
EPA MPG:
30 mpg
RECALL ALERT:
There are 4 recalls on this vehicle.
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Reliability
Overall Reliability
The 2016 Cooper has about average reliability compared to other cars from the same model year.
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
Owner Reported Trouble Spots
The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2016 Mini Cooper owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.
Noises/Leaks
Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.
What Owners Say
"The car has developed a coolant leak that appears to happen only when the system is pressurized during operation. This requires frequent refilling. The source of the leak has not yet been determined."
Anonymous A., AL (2016 Mini Cooper S 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)Body Hardware
Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.
What Owners Say
"The sliding mechanism used to lock the seat when moving it forward or backward, wouldnt lock, causing the seat to slide freely backward and forward. It is a huge safety issue because the seatbelt wont protect a moving seat."
Anonymous, WA (2016 Mini Cooper S 1.5-L 3 Cyl turbo)Paint/Trim
Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.
What Owners Say
""The trim around the headlights, bubbled and chipped, twice. I had to replace the originals within one year. The second time I had to replace them after eight years.""
Anonymous, AZ (2016 Mini Cooper Base Unsure)Exhaust
Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.
What Owners Say
""Many problems with slipping, jerking steering, inability to startFINALLY attributed to alternator. So many trips to dealer, who was unable, for years, to diagnose problem.""
Anonymous A., CA (2016 Mini Cooper S 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)Suspension/Steering
Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.
What Owners Say
""engine mounts cracked, replaced at significant cost""
Anonymous A., CA (2016 Mini Cooper S 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)Climate System
AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.
What Owners Say
"when ac compressor locked up, it caused harmonic balancer to have to be replaced"
Anonymous, TX (2016 Mini Cooper Base 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)Electrical Accessories
Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.
What Owners Say
"Part of the keyless entry system (called Comfort Access by Mini) has stopped working. We can no longer lock/unlock the car by pressing the button on the door handles (either side). Internet searches indicate that this may be a common problem in Minis of this age."
Anonymous A., AL (2016 Mini Cooper S 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)Engine Major
Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.
In-car Electronics
Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.
Engine Cooling
Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.
Transmission Major
Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.
Engine Minor
Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.
Transmission Minor
Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.
Brakes
Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.
Drive System
Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.
Engine Electrical
Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.
Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting
how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability
information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for
about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give
you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential
trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes,
to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Mar 31, 2017
If the brake light does not illuminate when a turn signal is activated, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Summary:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2016-2017 MINI Cooper Clubman, Cooper S Clubman and JCW Clubman vehicles. When the affected vehicles are braking and the turn signals are on, the inner, bumper-mounted, brake light will go out. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
What should you do:
MINI will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the vehicle to correct the brake lighting, free of charge. The recall began May 22, 2017. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
17V222000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
16883
SEAT BELTS
Oct 17, 2016
In the event of a crash where heavy braking is applied, the Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) may activate when the occupant is more forward in the seat, possibly increasing the risk of injury.
Summary:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, MINI Hardtop 4 Door Cooper, Mini Hardtop 4 Door Cooper S, MINI Cooper Clubman, and Cooper S Clubman, 2017 Rolls-Royce Ghost, and 2016 528i vehicles. The vehicle-sensitive locking mechanism of the seat belt Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) for the driver's seat may not lock as designed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
What should you do:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat belt assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 3, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
16V747000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
15455
STEERING
Dec 30, 2015
A gearbox malfunction may cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.
Summary:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling one model year 2016 MINI Cooper Hardtop 2 Door vehicle manufactured November 24, 2015, and one BMW X1 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) manufactured October, 19 2015. The steering gearbox may have been manufactured with incorrect parts.
What should you do:
BMW will replace the steering gearbox, free of charge. Affected vehicles are located in dealer inventory and will be remedied before customer retail. The recall began on December 28, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
15V887000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
2
AIR BAGS
Oct 07, 2015
In the event of a vehicle crash, an air bag that does not deploy properly increases the risk of injury to the front seat passenger.
Summary:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper two-door vehicles, 2015-2016 MINI John Cooper Works and MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper four-door vehicles and 2014-2015 BMW i3 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the passenger frontal air bag may not deploy properly in a low speed crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
What should you do:
MINI and BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on November 25, 2015. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525 and BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
15V628000
Potential Number of Units Affected:
6073
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"It cost several thousand dollars to repair a gas line issue caused by overfilling the gas tank."
Anonymous, WA (2016 Mini Cooper S 1.5-L 3 Cyl turbo)