Mini Cooper Auto
From 2,453 MOT tests. Above average for its class.
Common MOT failure categories
Pass rate by registration year
What goes wrong?
The most common MOT failure reasons are a tyre seriously damaged, a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning and tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements. The top issue, a tyre seriously damaged, caused 48 failures in 2024. Checking tread depth (1.6mm legal minimum, 3mm recommended) before your test can save an unnecessary fail. You can check prices at Black Circles if you need replacements. If you need repairs before retesting, sites like BookMyGarage let you compare local prices.
| a tyre seriously damaged | 48 |
| a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning | 37 |
| tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements | 35 |
| the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements | 35 |
| emissions levels exceed default limits | 30 |
| wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen | 28 |
| a tyre cords visible or damaged | 27 |
| a rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources | 24 |
| engine mil illuminated indicating a malfunction | 23 |
| a shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage | 22 |
How serious are these failures?
Not all MOT failures are equal. 38.8% of failures are serious: 24.3% are safety issues (brakes, steering, tyre damage) and 14.6% could actually leave you stranded. That's close to the 44.4% average across all models. When it does fail, the average repair bill is around £78.
By registration year
| Year | Pass rate | Top failures |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 80.7% | a tyre seriously damaged, the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements |
| 2012 | 81.2% | engine mil illuminated indicating a malfunction, a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning |
| 2011 | 72.4% | tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements, a rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources |
| 2007 | 73.2% | emissions levels exceed default limits, a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning |
Typical mileage
Half of all Cooper Autos tested had between 38,069 and 75,949 miles on the clock.
At 60,500 median miles, the Cooper Auto has 0.033 failures per 10,000 miles driven.
Other Mini models
| Mini Mini | 71.5% |
| Mini Cooper | 87% |
| Mini Cooper S | 88.5% |
| Mini Countryman | 88.5% |
| Mini One | 83.1% |
Common questions
What is the Mini Cooper Auto MOT pass rate?
The Mini Cooper Auto has a 79.8% MOT pass rate based on 2,453 real MOT tests. This is above the national average.
What are common MOT failures on a Mini Cooper Auto?
The most common MOT failure on the Mini Cooper Auto is a tyre seriously damaged, which caused 48 failures. Other common issues include a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning.
What is the typical mileage of a Mini Cooper Auto at MOT?
The median mileage at MOT for a Mini Cooper Auto is 60,500 miles. The middle 50% of vehicles tested have between 38,069 and 75,949 miles.
Buying a used Cooper Auto?
Start with the free tools. Look up the specific vehicle's MOT history on GOV.UK The mileage at each test will show if it's been wound back, and the advisory history tells you what's wearing. Cross-reference that against the typical failures above to see if anything looks unusual for this model.
The free data won't tell you about outstanding finance, theft markers, or write-off history. For that, you need a vehicle history check This is especially important on a private sale where you have fewer legal protections.
With a 79.8% pass rate and an average repair bill of £78 when things go wrong, budget accordingly.
Some links are to services we may earn from. Disclosure.
MOT data from DVSA anonymised test results, 2024 test year. Fleet data from DfT vehicle licensing statistics. Crown copyright, OGL v3.0. MOT pass rates are statistical summaries of test outcomes, not assessments of individual vehicle safety or condition. Always inspect a vehicle and check its full MOT history before purchasing. See terms of use.