2016 MINI Clubman Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2016 MINI Clubman, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Brakes417.4%
- Exterior lighting417.4%
- Electrical417.4%
- Engine417.4%
- Tires & wheels28.7%
- Fuel system14.3%
- Body & structure14.3%
- Airbags14.3%
- Powertrain (other)14.3%
- Seat belts14.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 .
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)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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!!!
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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?
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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!!!
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .