MINI Hardtop 2 Door Warning Lights: What They Mean

Red: stop or act now

Airbag system

If it does not light briefly at start or stays lit, the airbag system or belt tensioners may not work.
What to do: Have the vehicle checked immediately by an authorized service center or qualified repair shop. PDF page 138

Brake system

Brake pads are worn or the brake system has another issue; 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 138

Risk of collision

Lights or flashes with a sound when a collision is imminent. PDF page 139

Pedestrian Warning

Lit: collision risk with a person detected. Flashing with sound: imminent collision with a pedestrian or cyclist.
What to do: When flashing, brake immediately or steer to evade. When lit, be more alert. PDF page 139

Forward Collision Warning

Lit: collision risk with a vehicle. Flashing with sound: imminent collision with a vehicle detected.
What to do: When flashing, brake immediately or evade. When lit, be more alert. PDF page 139

Distance control

Flashes with an acoustic signal to warn of a collision risk with the vehicle ahead.
What to do: Brake and evade as necessary. PDF page 139

Assisted Driving Mode: Hands are not on steering wheel

Hands are off the wheel and system interruption is imminent; the car may slow to a standstill.
What to do: Grab the steering wheel immediately. PDF page 140

Parking brake

The parking brake is set. PDF page 138

Seat belt reminder

The driver's seat belt is not fastened. PDF page 138

Amber: check soon

Antilock Braking System

ABS may not be operational; steering may be restricted during full braking.
What to do: Have the vehicle checked immediately by an authorized service center or qualified repair shop. PDF page 140

Dynamic Stability Control

Flashing: system is stabilizing the car. Lit: malfunction or initializing, so stabilization is restricted or failed.
What to do: If flashing, slow down. If lit continuously, have it checked immediately by a service center. PDF page 140

Flat tire monitor

Flat Tire Monitor indicates a flat tire or tire pressure loss.
What to do: Reduce speed and stop cautiously, avoiding sudden braking and steering. PDF page 141

Tire pressure monitor

Lit: flat tire or pressure loss. Flashing then steady: system cannot detect pressure loss.
What to do: Follow the Check Control message; for malfunctions have the vehicle checked by a service center. PDF page 141

Steering system

The steering system may not be operational.
What to do: Have the vehicle checked by an authorized service center or qualified repair shop. PDF page 141

Exhaust emissions

Lit: exhaust quality declining, e.g., loose fuel cap. Flashing: excessive engine misfiring that can damage the catalytic converter.
What to do: Have it checked soon; if flashing, reduce speed and have it checked immediately. PDF page 141

Assisted Driving Mode: Hands are not on steering wheel

Hands are not on the steering wheel, though the system is still active.
What to do: Grab the steering wheel with your hands. PDF page 140

Dynamic Stability Control deactivated, or increased driving dynamics activated

Dynamic Stability Control is deactivated or enhanced driving dynamics is activated. PDF page 140

Green: system on

Turn signal

Turn signal is on; unusually fast flashing means a turn signal bulb has failed. PDF page 141

Summarized in our own words from the 2025 MINI Hardtop 2 Door 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.