2021 · 3 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2021 MINI Cooper MOT pass rate and common faults

16,863 MOT tests in 2024. 89.8% passed first time, compared with 87.6% for all cars the same age.

103Above average
Passed first time89.8%
Failed or needed repairs10.2%
Typical mileage at test19,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 16,863 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.4%
  2. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.0%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.6%
    335 marked dangerous
  4. Headlamp aim: too high0.8%
  5. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed0.8%
    154 marked dangerous
  6. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm0.5%
    116 marked dangerous
  7. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick0.4%
    89 marked dangerous
  8. Tyres - condition: has a lump, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.3%
    72 marked dangerous
  9. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.3%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Tyres6.2%
  2. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.6%
  3. Lights & electrics1.5%
  4. Brakes0.9%
  5. Number plates & VIN0.2%
  6. Suspension0.1%
  7. Wheels0.1%
  8. Body & chassis0.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm11.2%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure5.3%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick3.2%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.6%
  5. Non-component advisories: Nail in tyre1.8%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2021 MINI Cooper?

In 2024, 89.8% of 2021 MINI Cooper cars passed their MOT first time, across 16,863 tests. The average for all 3-year-old cars was 87.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2021 MINI Cooper?

The most common failure reasons were tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2021 MINI Cooper reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 103, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).