Owners have filed 26 complaints
about the 2016 Mini Clubman with NHTSA between 2017 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 4 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 61
Against the median year of the Mini Clubman. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 40
7.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 85
50% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2016 Mini Clubman
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Lights
415.4%
Median failure at 75,000 miles
Brakes
415.4%
Median failure at 75,000 miles
Electrical System
415.4%
Median failure at 110,000 miles
Engine & Cooling
415.4%
Other & Unspecified
311.5%
Median failure at 2,000 miles
Tires
27.7%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 13,000 mi
Seat Belts
13.8%
Median failure at 70,000 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
13.8%
Body & Structure
13.8%
Median failure at 4,000 miles
Airbags
13.8%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 4,900 mi
Transmission & Drivetrain
13.8%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
110.0%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
330.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
110.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
110.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
220.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
220.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jun 2017peak 3Apr 2026
Recalls on the 2016 Mini Clubman
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
17E051000
TRAILER HITCHES
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.
Risk: If the trailer hitch sags or separates from the vehicle, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
16V553000
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 MINI Clubman vehicles manufactured August 19, 2015, through July 14, 2016. The side curtain air bags for the front seat occupants may deploy in the intended positions in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
Risk: If a side curtain air bag does not inflate as intended in the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury to the front seat occupants.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2024544587,250 units in Canada
Label
Issue: On certain vehicles, the tire and loading information label does not list that there is no spare tire in both official languages. The label reads as "NONE" when it should read as "NONE / AUCUN". Canadian regulations require the information to be listed on the label in both English and French. Safety Risk: This error does not affect vehicle safety. Corrective Actions: This is not a recall. The company has corrected the tire and loading information label for all new vehicles.
Recall 20192763,041 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Issue: A problem with the driver’s seat belt could cause it not to lock-up as designed during braking or in a crash. Safety Risk: A seat belt that does not lock properly in a crash could cause an increased risk of injury. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their vehicle to a dealer to replace the driver’s seat belt assembly.
Recall 20171892,021 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Certain vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of CMVSS 108 - Lighting System and Retroreflective Devices. The bumper embedded rear inner brake lights turn off when the turn signal light is applied, contrary to requirements of the standard. This could be confusing to a road user located behind the vehicle during simultaneous braking and signalling, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the vehicle to correct the non-compliance.
Recall 20163691,048 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the fabric cover of the side curtain airbags may not have been pre-perforated correctly. This could prevent the airbag from deploying as intended. A side curtain airbag that does not deploy as intended during a crash (where side curtain airbag deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of injury to vehicle occupants. Correction: Dealers will rework the fabric covers of the side curtain airbags.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Cypress, TXCrash
TIRES
I purchased a Septor 4xs tire from Walmart in cypress Texas, I had a tire blowout 1 hour later at a high rate of speed. the Auto manager Santiago Quevedo at Walmart stated this is a well-known defect with this tire and had another blow out with this tire.
NHTSA complaint #11698139 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,900 milesLong Beach, CACrash
AIR BAGS
MY MINI WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT ON SEPT. 23, 2016, THE FRONT/BACK AIRBAGS ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DEPLOYED. THE DEALERSHIP IS TAKING AN UNREASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO DELIVER THE PARTS TO THE COLLISION COMPANY. I HAVE BEEN WAITING SINCE JAN/2017 FOR THE PARTS TO MY CAR. SINCE THE LEFT/RIGHT FRONT AIRBAGS ARE RECALLS, IS THERE A SAFETY ISSUE AND WHY IS IT TAKING 6 MONTHS TO RECEIVE THEM?
NHTSA complaint #10995017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Greenville, SC
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
REAR BUMPER BRAKE & TAIL LIGHTS OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY. UNINSTALLING AND REINSTALLING BUMPER LIGHT ASSEMBLY AND BULBS MAY TEMPORARILY SOLVE THE ISSUE. LIGHT ASSEMBLY IS UNDAMAGED AND WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR IS CLEAN. POWER AND GROUND ARE TESTED OK. VEHICLE HAS 50,000 MILES AND IS PARKED IN A COVERED AREA. NEVER DRIVEN IN SNOW OR SALTED ROADS.
NHTSA complaint #11730718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenville, SC
SERVICE BRAKES
REAR BUMPER BRAKE & TAIL LIGHTS OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY. UNINSTALLING AND REINSTALLING BUMPER LIGHT ASSEMBLY AND BULBS MAY TEMPORARILY SOLVE THE ISSUE. LIGHT ASSEMBLY IS UNDAMAGED AND WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR IS CLEAN. POWER AND GROUND ARE TESTED OK. VEHICLE HAS 50,000 MILES AND IS PARKED IN A COVERED AREA. NEVER DRIVEN IN SNOW OR SALTED ROADS.
NHTSA complaint #11730718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FL
ENGINE
I have 2016 Mini Clubman S with 109,000 miles on it , I got a check engine light with a Code U019D. I went to dealer to check and was told the radiator would need to be replaced at a cost of $ 3,700 dollars. After researching it is a common issue due to defect in materials, there was an extended warranty offered by bmw up 15 years or 150,000 miles to cover this defect. I was told that since I am in Florida it doesn't cover it and I believe this is wrong. If there is defect in materials and it is covered for some, why not all. Th ecompany has already stated it is a defect in materials, see below. SIM 13 01 19 Lin Bus Communication Fault for Enviromental Air Catalyst (EAC)Sensor FC1B8302. It States that the chemical compositon of the fan shroud contaminates the EAC sensor. Since this is a know defect from manufacturer I believe they should be replacing the defective material under warranty terms .
NHTSA complaint #11728925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cypress, TXCrash
TIRES
I purchased a Septor 4xs tire from Walmart in cypress Texas, I had a tire blowout 1 hour later at a high rate of speed. the Auto manager Santiago Quevedo at Walmart stated this is a well-known defect with this tire and had another blow out with this tire.
NHTSA complaint #11698139 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jayuya, PR
SERVICE BRAKES
On January 7, 2025, the vehicle started to suddenly brake and pull to the right side of the road when going above 40 mph for less than 2 seconds, and then I regained control. When on the left lane of the highway, the sudden movement was so pronounced that it made the car invade the right lane. This happened over 10 times on a single trip. Since this happened, the vehicle was stopped, and the front suspension was inspected. There was a front ball joint damaged. It was replaced, thinking this was the problem. The vehicle was used for the following months. However, when driving it on the highway, it kept doing the same thing. On April 15, 2025 the vehicle was being driven at about 25 mph when the rear left brake suddenly locked up without any brake, traction control, or ABS warning lights. The vehicle was towed home. When trying to move the vehicle, it was noticed that the front right and rear left brake calipers were locked up. Still no warning lights.
NHTSA complaint #11657005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Transmission not reporting vehicle in park. Taken to mechanic and ran diagnostics. They said this is a safety issue. Needs shifter repair.
NHTSA complaint #11641107 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesSan Jose, CA
SEAT BELTS
The contact owns a 2016 Mini Cooper S Clubman. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the driver's seat belt was inoperable. The contact stated that the seat belt failed to function properly, and the seat belt assembly failed to latch securely. An independent mechanic arrived at the residence and diagnosed the vehicle. The contact was informed that the seat belt assembly had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #11639646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesRidgely, MD
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The contact owns a 2016 Mini Cooper Clubman. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the left and right turn signals were inoperable. The contact was made aware by another driver that four out of the five rear brake lights were inoperable. The right and left turn signal malfunction and the rear brake light warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the place of residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
NHTSA complaint #11628285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesRidgely, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2016 Mini Cooper Clubman. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the left and right turn signals were inoperable. The contact was made aware by another driver that four out of the five rear brake lights were inoperable. The right and left turn signal malfunction and the rear brake light warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the place of residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
NHTSA complaint #11628285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marietta, GA
ENGINE
I am writing to formally express my concerns regarding a 2016 Mini Cooper Clubman S that I purchased in August of the previous year, with 64,000 miles on the odometer. Within just two months of ownership, the vehicle began to exhibit serious mechanical failures. Initially, the water pump failed and had to be replaced. Shortly thereafter, the air conditioning system on the left side malfunctioned. Most alarmingly, the engine suddenly stopped and began to overheat while on the road, necessitating an emergency stop at a nearby mechanic's workshop. The diagnosis revealed a catastrophic engine block failure, with a crack that caused the antifreeze, oil, and possibly fuel to mix—an issue that could potentially lead to a vehicle fire. This vehicle is primarily driven by my wife, who frequently transports our [XXX] son, who is [XXX]. The potential risks had this occurred on a highway are unimaginable and could have led to fatal consequences. Upon discovering these issues, I immediately contacted Mini to inform them of the defect and requested a comprehensive diagnostic examination. I emphasized the possibility that this could be a production line issue, which might affect other vehicles and thereby pose a significant risk to other families. Regrettably, the response I received was dismissive; I was informed that nothing could be done, and my request for a vehicle inspection was outright denied. Given the severity of these issues and the potential risk to human life, I urge your immediate intervention. It is imperative that this matter be revisited and that a thorough investigation into this potential production defect be conducted. Ensuring the safety of all consumers must be a priority, and I respectfully request that my vehicle be inspected at the earliest to prevent any potential future tragedies. Please advise on how we might proceed in this matter. I look forward to your prompt response. Yours sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11589969 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denton, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This vehicle has the same environmental air catalyst sensor as in the recall SIM 01 05 20 from the NTHSA however the engine number is different and isn't therefore covered. The failure started about 3 months ago and I've been back and forth with Mini about it. The vehicle has <75k miles. It's available to be inspected. It has been confirmed by a dealer.
NHTSA complaint #11552704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denton, TX
ENGINE
This vehicle has the same environmental air catalyst sensor as in the recall SIM 01 05 20 from the NTHSA however the engine number is different and isn't therefore covered. The failure started about 3 months ago and I've been back and forth with Mini about it. The vehicle has <75k miles. It's available to be inspected. It has been confirmed by a dealer.
NHTSA complaint #11552704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gray, LA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My vehicle has this known problem by BMW and is not covered. Should be recalled! SIM 13 01 19 LIN BUS COMMUNICATION FAULT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL AIR CATALYST (EAC) SENSOR FC1B8302 The chemical composition of the fan shroud contaminates the EAC sensor. There is a loss of LIN-Bus communication (signal) from the EAC Sensor that is permanently mounted on the engine radiator due to corrosion that develops over time. CORRECTION Replace the radiator with EAC sensor and, if necessary, replace the fan shroud.
NHTSA complaint #11542884 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Visalia, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1. 2016 Mini Cooper S Clubman's Head Unit is inoperable which provides vehicle information such as, Backup Camera, Oil Pressure, Tire Pressure, Maintenance Schedule(s), Hands-Free (Bluetooth) connection, Emergency Call Roadside Assistance, Brake Pads early warning due to brake pad sensors, and vehicle setting are displaying "No Signal", therefore making it virtually impossible to know the status of the vehicle when operating the vehicle. 2. The Emergency Brake (Finger Press UP to "Lock" and Down to "Release". When emergency brake is applied, it will "Not" release even on level pavement, therefore taking up 30 minutes or more before releasing to drive.
NHTSA complaint #11454288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Visalia, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1. 2016 Mini Cooper S Clubman's Head Unit is inoperable which provides vehicle information such as, Backup Camera, Oil Pressure, Tire Pressure, Maintenance Schedule(s), Hands-Free (Bluetooth) connection, Emergency Call Roadside Assistance, Brake Pads early warning due to brake pad sensors, and vehicle setting are displaying "No Signal", therefore making it virtually impossible to know the status of the vehicle when operating the vehicle. 2. The Emergency Brake (Finger Press UP to "Lock" and Down to "Release". When emergency brake is applied, it will "Not" release even on level pavement, therefore taking up 30 minutes or more before releasing to drive.
NHTSA complaint #11454288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Visalia, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
1. 2016 Mini Cooper S Clubman's Head Unit is inoperable which provides vehicle information such as, Backup Camera, Oil Pressure, Tire Pressure, Maintenance Schedule(s), Hands-Free (Bluetooth) connection, Emergency Call Roadside Assistance, Brake Pads early warning due to brake pad sensors, and vehicle setting are displaying "No Signal", therefore making it virtually impossible to know the status of the vehicle when operating the vehicle. 2. The Emergency Brake (Finger Press UP to "Lock" and Down to "Release". When emergency brake is applied, it will "Not" release even on level pavement, therefore taking up 30 minutes or more before releasing to drive.
NHTSA complaint #11454288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Victorville, CA
POWER TRAIN
I have taken my 2016 Mini Cooper clubman in to the dealership multiple times for recalls. After I got my back now it’s saying that my drivetrain needs to be repaired and when I put fuel into my car the car studders to start. I have to turn it on and off like 3 times before I can even leave the gas station. My car also is telling me that I need to secure my vehicle with the parking brake when stopped because the transmission is not in park. I have also attached the codes I was receiving when I did a computer scan of why the check engine light was on. Please help me somebody!!! Thanks I’m advance!!!
NHTSA complaint #11420692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Victorville, CA
ENGINE
I have taken my 2016 Mini Cooper clubman in to the dealership multiple times for recalls. After I got my back now it’s saying that my drivetrain needs to be repaired and when I put fuel into my car the car studders to start. I have to turn it on and off like 3 times before I can even leave the gas station. My car also is telling me that I need to secure my vehicle with the parking brake when stopped because the transmission is not in park. I have also attached the codes I was receiving when I did a computer scan of why the check engine light was on. Please help me somebody!!! Thanks I’m advance!!!
NHTSA complaint #11420692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Victorville, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I have taken my 2016 Mini Cooper clubman in to the dealership multiple times for recalls. After I got my back now it’s saying that my drivetrain needs to be repaired and when I put fuel into my car the car studders to start. I have to turn it on and off like 3 times before I can even leave the gas station. My car also is telling me that I need to secure my vehicle with the parking brake when stopped because the transmission is not in park. I have also attached the codes I was receiving when I did a computer scan of why the check engine light was on. Please help me somebody!!! Thanks I’m advance!!!
NHTSA complaint #11420692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesCoron, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE COUPLE OF YEARS AGO AND REAR LIGHTS ON BUMPER ARE NON FUNCTIONAL WHEN BREAKING
NHTSA complaint #11405112 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesCoron, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE COUPLE OF YEARS AGO AND REAR LIGHTS ON BUMPER ARE NON FUNCTIONAL WHEN BREAKING
NHTSA complaint #11405112 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,000 milesTorrance, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I WAS DRIVING BEHIND MY GIRLFRIEND WHO WAS DRIVING MY 2016 MINI CLUBMAN, WHEN I NOTICED THE BRAKE LIGHTS APPEARED TO NOT BE WORKING... I TOOK THE MINI CLUBMAN TO THE DEALERSHIP THE NEXT DAY, SHOWED THEM THE PROBLEM AND THE INSPECTOR SAID HE WOULD GET IT FIXED BY THEIR SERVICE TEAM. AFTER THEY HAD IT FOR 24 HOURS, THEY CALLED TO TELL ME THAT THE WAY THE LIGHTS WERE WORKING IS THE CORRECT LIGHT PATTERN FOR THIS VEHICLE. THEY WERE ALSO STUMPED BECAUSE THEY FELT THIS WASN'T THE BEST BRAKE LIGHTING FOR A VEHICLE BUT UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION THEY DETERMINED THAT ALL MINI COOOPER CLUBMANS HAVE THIS BRAKE LIGHTING. IFEEL THE BRAKE LIGHTS ARE DIFFICULT TO SEE AND WHY ARE THEY SO LOW? WHY COULDN'T MINI UTILIZE THE UPPER BIG RED LIGHTS FOR BRAKE LIGHTS? I WAS DRIVING BEHIND THE MINI IN A TRUCK AND IT WAS DIFFICULT TO SEE THE BRAKE LIGHTS. I THINK THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL AND THEY SHOUDL FIX THIS BRAKE LIGHT ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #11290876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40 milesQuebradillas, PR
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
LIGHTING RIGHT STOP BUMPER, THE BULB HOLDER DAMAGE
NHTSA complaint #11281598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,000 milesMenifee, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE BARN STYLE TAILGATE DOORS SWING OPEN WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS, INCLUDING WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. IF PRESSURE IS ACCIDENTALLY APPLIED TO THE REMOTE, ONE OF THE DOORS WILL SWING OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY, POTENTIALLY CAUSING ACCIDENTS.
NHTSA complaint #11096908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 13,000 milesNolensville, TN
TIRES
PURCHASED A FACTORY DEMO MINI COUNTRYMAN DEC, 28TH 2016 WITH 4,599 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. THE FACTORY SUPPLIED TIRES ARE GOODYEAR EFFICIENCY GRIP RUN FLAT 225/45/R18. AT APPRX 13,000 DURING SERVICE AT THE DEALERSHIP I WAS SHOWN A "BUBBLE" IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDEWALL. NO DAMAGE TO RIM NOR WAS THERE ANY COSMETIC INDICATIONS OF AN IMPACT. TIRE IS CRACKING AROUND THE EGG SIZED BUBBLE. IT IS INCREDIBLE HOW LARGE THIS IS CONSIDERING I HAVE BEEN IN THE AUTOMOTIVE BUSINESS FOR 21 YEARS. TODAY APPRX 6 HOURS AGO I NOTICED A SMALLER BUT EQUALLY ALARMING "BUBBLE" IN THE SIDEWALL OF THE FRONT DRIVER TIRE. SINCE FINDING THE 2ND COMPROMISED SIDEWALL, A QUICK INTERNET SEARCH SHOWS THIS IS A TIRE WITH A HUGE REPUTATION FOR "SIDEWALL GOOSE EGGS". THIS IS A HUGE FINANCIAL BLOW FOR OUR LARGE BARELY MIDDLE CLASS FAMILY. I AM APPALLED AT THE NONEXISTENT WARRANTY TIRE MANUFACTURERS ACTUALLY HAVE TO BACK UP. A DANGEROUS PRODUCT AND THE CONSUMER IS PENALIZED. LIFE THREATENING PRODUCTS SHOULD BE A NO QUESTIONS ASKED REPLACEMENT WITH LABOR COSTS COVERED.
NHTSA complaint #11001567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.