Mini common problems and MOT failures
From 1,349,871 MOT tests in 2024, 18.6% of Mini vehicles failed. Below are the most common reasons, ranked by how often they occur.
Top Mini MOT failure reasons
| # | Problem | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | tyre seriously damaged | 28,744 |
| 2 | lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning | 23,366 |
| 3 | the aim of a headlamp is not within limits the requirements | 21,086 |
| 4 | tyre tread depth outside legal limits | 19,200 |
| 5 | suspension pin, bush or joint worn | 17,094 |
| 6 | wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen | 16,333 |
| 7 | emissions levels exceed default limits | 12,913 |
| 8 | rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources | 11,710 |
| 9 | emissions levels exceed the manufacturer's specified limits | 11,038 |
| 10 | brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm | 10,988 |
What this means if you're buying a Mini
The single most common MOT failure for Mini is tyre seriously damaged, accounting for 17% of all failure items. A set of new tyres typically costs £200–£500 depending on size.
These figures are from real MOT inspections. They show what testers actually find wrong with Mini vehicles. If you're viewing a used Mini, it's worth checking these areas specifically.
Mini models by MOT pass rate
Lowest pass rates first. These models have the most testable issues.
| Model | Tests | Pass rate |
|---|---|---|
| Mini | 456,476 | 71.5% |
| Cooper London 2012 Edition | 202 | 73.3% |
| Countryman Cooper D | 1,327 | 74.2% |
| Cooper D London 2012 Edition | 301 | 74.4% |
| One D | 1,250 | 74.7% |
| First | 2,553 | 74.8% |
| Countryman Cooper Sd All4 | 361 | 75.1% |
| Cooper D | 11,327 | 75.2% |
| Countryman Cooper Sd | 585 | 75.7% |
| One Clubman | 1,182 | 75.8% |
| Mini (R59) | 446 | 76% |
| Countryman One D | 289 | 76.5% |
| Countryman Cooper D All4 | 1,196 | 76.8% |
| One Clubman D | 213 | 77% |
| Mini (R58) | 3,103 | 77.2% |
Buying a specific Mini? Check the individual vehicle's MOT history for free on GOV.UK to see its actual test results, advisories, and mileage readings.
Check MOT history on GOV.UK