MINI SE Countryman Warning Lights: What They Mean

Red: stop or act now

Airbag system

Lights briefly at start to confirm airbags and belt tensioners work; if it stays off or stays on, they may not be operational.
What to do: Have the vehicle checked immediately by an authorized service center or qualified repair shop. PDF page 145

Brake system

Brake pads are worn or the brake system has another issue; braking assistance may fail and higher pedal force may be needed.
What to do: Have the vehicle checked immediately by an authorized service center or qualified repair shop. PDF page 145

Parking brake

The parking brake is set. PDF page 145

Seat belt reminder

The driver's seat belt is not engaged. PDF page 145

System fault

A system fault is present.
What to do: Contact an authorized service center or another qualified service center or repair shop. PDF page 145

Emergency Stop Assistant

The Emergency Stop Assistant has been triggered. PDF page 145

Risk of collision

Lights or flashes with an acoustic signal when a collision is imminent. PDF page 146

Pedestrian Warning

Lit: risk of collision with a person detected. Flashing with signal: imminent collision risk with a person.
What to do: When flashing, immediately brake or make an evasive maneuver. When lit, stay more alert. PDF page 146

Forward Collision Warning

Lit: collision risk with a vehicle detected. Flashing with signal: imminent collision risk.
What to do: When flashing, immediately brake or make an evasive maneuver. When lit, stay more alert. PDF page 146

Intersection Collision Warning: vehicle detected from the right

Lit: risk of collision with a vehicle crossing from the right. Flashing with signal: collision imminent.
What to do: When flashing, immediately brake or make an evasive maneuver. When lit, stay more alert. PDF page 146

Intersection Collision Warning: vehicle detected from the left

Lit: risk of collision with a vehicle crossing from the left. Flashing with signal: collision imminent.
What to do: When flashing, immediately brake or make an evasive maneuver. When lit, stay more alert. PDF page 146

Distance control

Flashing with acoustic signal: warns of a collision risk with the vehicle ahead.
What to do: Brake and evade as necessary. PDF page 146

Assisted Driving Mode: Hands are not on steering wheel

Hands are off the wheel, or driver's eyes are off traffic; system interruption is imminent and speed may be reduced to a standstill.
What to do: Immediately grasp the steering wheel and pay attention to surrounding traffic. PDF page 147

Assisted Driving Mode

Flashing with signal: system is off or will be interrupted very soon. Lit with signal: driver not watching traffic, interruption imminent. PDF page 146

Amber: check soon

Antilock Braking System

The Antilock Braking System may not be available, 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 147

Dynamic Stability Control

Flashing: system is regulating drive and brake power. Lit: malfunction or initializing, stabilization restricted or failed.
What to do: If flashing, slow down and adapt driving. If it stays lit, have the vehicle checked immediately. PDF page 147

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 147

Assisted Driving Mode

Lit with signal: system interruption is imminent. Flashing: a lane boundary has been crossed. PDF page 147

Summarized in our own words from the 2025 MINI SE Countryman 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.