Mini Unclassified
From 2,113 MOT tests. Above average for its class.
Common MOT failure categories
Pass rate by registration year
Newer Unclassifieds fare better: 2016 models pass at 91.2% vs 87.3% for 2014.
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 59 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 | 59 |
| a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning | 22 |
| tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements | 21 |
| engine mil illuminated indicating a malfunction | 21 |
| stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning | 17 |
| a brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm | 15 |
| a shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage | 15 |
| parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement | 15 |
| a tyre cords visible or damaged | 14 |
| the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements | 14 |
How serious are these failures?
Not all MOT failures are equal. 16.9% of Unclassified failures could actually strand you: fractured springs, engine faults, exhaust problems. Another 48.4% are safety issues where the car still drives but shouldn't, such as worn brakes, corroded brake pipes, and steering wear. When it does fail, the average repair bill is around £96.
By registration year
| Year | Pass rate | Top failures |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 91.2% | a wheel badly distorted or wear between wheel and hub at spigot mounting, a tyre cords visible or damaged |
| 2015 | 81% | a tyre seriously damaged, stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning |
| 2014 | 87.3% | a tyre seriously damaged, a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning |
| 2012 | 85.9% | a tyre seriously damaged, a rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources |
Typical mileage
Half of all Unclassifieds tested had between 51,751 and 93,216 miles on the clock.
At 72,088 median miles, the Unclassified has 0.02 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 Unclassified MOT pass rate?
The Mini Unclassified has a 85.7% MOT pass rate based on 2,113 real MOT tests. This is above the national average.
What are common MOT failures on a Mini Unclassified?
The most common MOT failure on the Mini Unclassified is a tyre seriously damaged, which caused 59 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 Unclassified at MOT?
The median mileage at MOT for a Mini Unclassified is 72,088 miles. The middle 50% of vehicles tested have between 51,751 and 93,216 miles.
Buying a used Unclassified?
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.
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.