MINI Hardtop 4 Door Warning Lights: What They Mean

Red: stop or act now

Airbag system

Brief illumination at start means airbags and belt tensioners work. Off or continuously lit means they may not be operational.
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 another brake system issue exists. 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 an acoustic signal when a collision is imminent. PDF page 139

Pedestrian Warning

Lit: risk of collision with a person detected. Flashing with signal: imminent collision with a pedestrian or cyclist.
What to do: When flashing, brake immediately or make an evasive maneuver. PDF page 139

Forward Collision Warning

Lit: collision risk with a vehicle. Flashing with signal: imminent collision with a vehicle detected.
What to do: When flashing, brake immediately or make an evasive maneuver. PDF page 139

Intersection Collision Warning: vehicle detected from the right

Lit: collision risk with a vehicle crossing from the right. Flashing with signal: imminent collision.
What to do: When flashing, brake immediately or make an evasive maneuver. PDF page 139

Intersection Collision Warning: vehicle detected from the left

Lit: collision risk with a vehicle crossing from the left. Flashing with signal: imminent collision.
What to do: When flashing, brake immediately or make an evasive maneuver. PDF page 139

Distance control

Flashing with acoustic signal warns of a need to brake or evade.
What to do: Brake and evade as necessary. PDF page 139

Assisted Driving Mode: Hands are not on steering wheel

Hands are not on the wheel and system interruption is imminent. The system may slow the vehicle to a standstill.
What to do: Grab the steering wheel immediately. PDF page 140

Seat belt reminder

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

Parking brake

The parking brake is set. PDF page 138

Assisted Driving Mode

Flashing with signal: the system is switched off or will be interrupted very soon. PDF page 139

Amber: check soon

Antilock Braking System

The system may not be operational. ABS is unavailable and 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 vehicle. Lit: malfunction or initializing, stabilization restricted or failed.
What to do: Slow down and adapt driving when flashing. If lit continuously, have it checked immediately by a service center. PDF page 140

Flat tire monitor

Indicates a flat tire or tire pressure loss.
What to do: Reduce speed and stop cautiously. Avoid sudden braking and steering. PDF page 141

Tire pressure monitor

Lit: flat tire or pressure loss. Flashing then continuous: system cannot detect pressure loss, due to interference, reset failure or malfunction.
What to do: Follow the Check Control message; have the system checked by a service center if malfunctioning. 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

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

Dynamic Stability Control deactivated, or increased driving dynamics activated

Dynamic Stability Control is off or enhanced driving dynamics is on. PDF page 140

Other warnings and indicators

Drive-off support

Drive-off support is activated. PDF page 141

Green: system on

Turn signal

The 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 4 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.