MINI Hardtop SE Electric Warning Lights: What They Mean

Red: stop or act now

Airbag system

Brief illumination shows the airbag system and belt tensioners are ready. Staying lit means a malfunction.
What to do: If continuously lit, have the vehicle checked immediately by an authorized service center or qualified repair shop. PDF page 121

Brake system

Brake pads are worn or the brake system has a fault. Braking assistance may fail and more pedal force may be needed.
What to do: Have the vehicle checked immediately by an authorized service center or qualified repair shop. PDF page 121

Parking brake, electric

The electric parking brake is set.
What to do: To release it, see the parking brake instructions on page 107. PDF page 121

Forward Collision Warning

Lit: risk of collision detected. Flashing: collision with a vehicle is imminent.
What to do: If lit, be more alert. If flashing, brake immediately or make an evasive maneuver. PDF page 121

Pedestrian Warning

Flashing with an acoustic signal: collision with a person is imminent.
What to do: Intervene immediately by braking or making an evasive maneuver. PDF page 121

Seat belt reminder

Flashing or lit: the driver's or passenger's seat belt is not buckled. Objects on the passenger seat can also trigger it.
What to do: Make sure the seat belts are positioned correctly. PDF page 120

Seat belt reminder for rear seats

The seat belt on the corresponding rear seat is not buckled. PDF page 120

Amber: check soon

Antilock Braking System

ABS is not available and may not be operational. Steering ability may be restricted during full braking.
What to do: Have it checked immediately by an authorized service center or qualified repair shop. PDF page 121

Dynamic Stability Control

Flashing: DSC is regulating drive and brake power. Lit: DSC has failed or is initializing, so stabilization is restricted.
What to do: If flashing, reduce speed and adapt driving. If lit continuously, have the vehicle checked immediately. PDF page 167

Flat tire monitor

The Flat Tire Monitor indicates a flat tire or tire pressure loss.
What to do: Reduce speed and stop cautiously. Avoid sudden braking and steering maneuvers. PDF page 122

Tire pressure monitor

Lit: flat tire or pressure loss. Flashing then continuous: flat tires or pressure losses cannot be detected.
What to do: Follow the Check Control message. For a fault, have the vehicle checked by an authorized service center. PDF page 122

Steering system

The steering system may be faulty.
What to do: Have the vehicle checked by an authorized service center or qualified repair shop. PDF page 122

Acoustic pedestrian protection malfunction

Acoustic pedestrian protection has malfunctioned.
What to do: Take extra care when maneuvering. If it repeats, have the vehicle checked by an authorized service center. PDF page 122

Other warnings and indicators

Indicator light for the front passenger airbags

Lit: passenger airbags are deactivated, for a child in a restraint or an empty seat. Unlit: they are activated.
What to do: After installing a child seat, check that the light is lit. Otherwise change seat position or use rear seat. PDF page 144

Green: system on

Turn signal

Turn signal is on. Unusually rapid flashing means a turn signal bulb has failed. PDF page 122

Parking lights, headlights

Parking lights or headlights are switched on. PDF page 122

Bad weather light

Bad weather light is switched on. PDF page 122

Seat belt reminder for rear seats

The seat belt on the corresponding rear seat is buckled. PDF page 122

Summarized in our own words from the 2024 MINI Hardtop SE Electric owner's manual (AI-assisted; every light name was matched against its cited page 2026-10-18). Your vehicle may not have every light, and other years can differ. A red warning that stays on usually means stop safely and check: your manual has the final word.