Mini Cooper S
From 152,416 MOT tests. Above average for its class.
Common MOT failure categories
Pass rate by registration year
Newer Cooper Ss fare better: 2022 models pass at 96.2% vs 72.9% for 2007.
What goes wrong?
The most common MOT failure reasons are a tyre seriously damaged, wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen and tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements. The top issue, a tyre seriously damaged, caused 3,928 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 | 3,928 |
| wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen | 1,557 |
| tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements | 1,464 |
| a tyre cords visible or damaged | 1,104 |
| a brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm | 700 |
| a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning | 699 |
| windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen | 529 |
| windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view | 509 |
| a suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn | 442 |
| a tyre has a lump, bulge or tear caused by separation or partial failure of its structure. this includes any lifting of the tread rubber | 436 |
How serious are these failures?
Not all MOT failures are equal. 54.3% of failures are serious: 54.3% are safety issues (brakes, steering, tyre damage) and 0% 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 £67.
By registration year
| Year | Pass rate | Top failures |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 96.2% | a tyre seriously damaged, a tyre cords visible or damaged |
| 2021 | 90.8% | a tyre seriously damaged, a tyre cords visible or damaged |
| 2020 | 90.9% | a tyre seriously damaged, wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen |
| 2019 | 90.4% | a tyre seriously damaged, wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen |
16 earlier years
| 2018 | 89.9% | a tyre seriously damaged, tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements |
| 2017 | 88.8% | a tyre seriously damaged, tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements |
| 2016 | 88.3% | a tyre seriously damaged, tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements |
| 2015 | 86.4% | a tyre seriously damaged, tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements |
| 2014 | 85.3% | a tyre seriously damaged, tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements |
| 2013 | 82.1% | a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning, a tyre seriously damaged |
| 2012 | 80.7% | a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning, tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements |
| 2011 | 79.7% | a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning, tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements |
| 2010 | 75.8% | a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning, a tyre seriously damaged |
| 2009 | 75% | a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning, lamp emitted colour, position or intensity not in accordance with the requirements |
| 2008 | 75.3% | emissions levels exceed default limits, the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements |
| 2007 | 72.9% | a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning, a suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn |
| 2006 | 65.8% | a transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc, brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded |
| 2005 | 72.7% | a suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc, brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded |
| 2004 | 72.3% | a transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc, the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements |
| 2003 | 70.1% | the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements, windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view |
Typical mileage
Half of all Cooper Ss tested had between 20,502 and 39,381 miles on the clock. Relatively low mileage overall. Many are still fairly young.
At 26,900 median miles, the Cooper S has 0.043 failures per 10,000 miles driven.
Other Mini models
| Mini Mini | 71.5% |
| Mini Cooper | 87% |
| Mini Countryman | 88.5% |
| Mini One | 83.1% |
| Mini John Cooper Works | 90.1% |
Common questions
What is the Mini Cooper S MOT pass rate?
The Mini Cooper S has a 88.5% MOT pass rate based on 152,416 real MOT tests. This is above the national average.
What are common MOT failures on a Mini Cooper S?
The most common MOT failure on the Mini Cooper S is a tyre seriously damaged, which caused 3,928 failures. Other common issues include wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen.
What is the typical mileage of a Mini Cooper S at MOT?
The median mileage at MOT for a Mini Cooper S is 26,900 miles. The middle 50% of vehicles tested have between 20,502 and 39,381 miles.
Buying a used Cooper S?
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.
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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.