2016 MINI Cooper engine problems
10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2016 MINI Cooper — 36% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“2015 and 2016 Hard top Mini Coopers, Standard (F55) are prone to their environmental air catalyst sensor breaking, causing a check engine light and emissions issues. The remedy is replacing the entire radiator. This occurred on my vehicle at only 40,000 miles. MINI is aware of the issue, but only…”
filed Jun 22, 2026
“The malfunction indicator lamp light is on (MIL) with the following fault code stored in the DME: Fault code Control module Fault code text 1B8302 DME LIN bus, communication (EAC sensor): missing Problem verified. Don't know if car will quit on the highway. Mini recall for exact problem and…”
filed Jan 16, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Engine problems in other Cooper years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 Cooper | 6 | 21% |
| 2015 Cooper | 14 | 25% |
| 2014 Cooper | 8 | 24% |
| 2013 Cooper | 4 | 9% |
| 2012 Cooper | 17 | 26% |
| 2011 Cooper | 12 | 15% |
| 2010 Cooper | 32 | 35% |
| 2009 Cooper | 46 | 31% |
| 2008 Cooper | 43 | 37% |
| 2007 Cooper | 30 | 26% |
| 2006 Cooper | 10 | 5% |
| 2005 Cooper | 6 | 2% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2016 MINI Cooper
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.