2016 MINI Countryman petrol: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the petrol MINI Countryman first registered in 2016 (petrol cars only): we looked at the 15,225 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Common 2016 MINI Countryman petrol MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2016 MINI Countryman petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres29% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Brakes15% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Lights and electrics9% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors4% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Seats and seatbelts3% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
- Suspension3% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
Known faults on the 2016 MINI Countryman petrol
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- Cooper S, JCW and Cooper SD
Electrical fire risk recalls
Cooper S and John Cooper Works models (2012) and Cooper SD diesels (2013) were recalled for short circuits that could cause a fire.
At the viewing: Ask a MINI dealer to confirm the recalls were done.
Source: Auto Express: used MINI Countryman (Mk1, 2010-2017) problems and recalls
- All engines
Rattling trim
Rattles from the dashboard and door cards are common.
At the viewing: Drive on a rough road and listen.
Source: Auto Express: used MINI Countryman (Mk1, 2010-2017) problems and recalls
- All engines
Reading lights left on
The interior reading lights can switch themselves on when the car is locked and flatten the battery.
At the viewing: Ask whether the battery has gone flat.
Source: Auto Express: used MINI Countryman (Mk1, 2010-2017) problems and recalls
- All engines
Corroded two-tone alloys and peeling chrome
Two-tone alloy wheels corrode, and the plastic chrome trim can peel.
At the viewing: Look at the wheels and exterior trim.
Source: Auto Express: used MINI Countryman (Mk1, 2010-2017) problems and recalls
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2016 MINI Countryman petrol
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a MINI Countryman?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the MINI Countryman compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 528 | Tyres 11% |
| 2022 | 8,457 | Tyres 21% |
| 2021 | 15,370 | Tyres 23% |
| 2020 | 24,334 | Tyres 25% |
| 2019 | 41,382 | Tyres 27% |
| 2018 | 40,921 | Tyres 29% |
| 2017 | 32,494 | Tyres 29% |
| 2015 | 27,199 | Tyres 30% |
| 2014 | 38,076 | Tyres 31% |
| 2013 | 8,426 | Tyres 32% |
| 2012 | 7,563 | Tyres 32% |
| 2011 | 8,385 | Tyres 32% |
| 2010 | 1,028 | Tyres 29% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of MINI Countryman cars first registered in 2016. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score