Mini Cooper S Auto
From 1,115 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 lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning, a tyre seriously damaged and wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen. The top issue, a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning, caused 26 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 lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning | 26 |
| a tyre seriously damaged | 21 |
| wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen | 17 |
| windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen | 14 |
| a tyre cords visible or damaged | 13 |
| tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements | 10 |
| a rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources | 9 |
| a shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage | 7 |
| brake disc or drum significantly and obviously worn | 5 |
| stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning | 5 |
How serious are these failures?
Not all MOT failures are equal. 36.2% of failures are serious: 30.7% are safety issues (brakes, steering, tyre damage) and 5.5% 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 £59.
By registration year
| Year | Pass rate | Top failures |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 82.7% | a tyre seriously damaged, a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning |
| 2012 | 88.9% | a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning, windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen |
Typical mileage
Half of all Cooper S Autos tested had between 43,005 and 75,068 miles on the clock.
At 59,594 median miles, the Cooper S Auto has 0.026 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 S Auto MOT pass rate?
The Mini Cooper S Auto has a 84.5% MOT pass rate based on 1,115 real MOT tests. This is above the national average.
What are common MOT failures on a Mini Cooper S Auto?
The most common MOT failure on the Mini Cooper S Auto is a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning, which caused 26 failures. Other common issues include a tyre seriously damaged.
What is the typical mileage of a Mini Cooper S Auto at MOT?
The median mileage at MOT for a Mini Cooper S Auto is 59,594 miles. The middle 50% of vehicles tested have between 43,005 and 75,068 miles.
Buying a used Cooper S 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 84.5% pass rate and an average repair bill of £59 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.