MINI Clubman MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 27,767 MOT tests on the MINI Clubman carried out in 2023. 17% failed at the first attempt, which is well below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 8 in 10 Clubmans passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2008 to 2019. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2013 models did best (77% passed, +9.0 points against the average for 10-year-old cars), while 2019 models fared worst (88%, +1.4 points). Tested cars had covered 48,675 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was tyres, found on 6.8% of tests (roughly in line with the 6.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 4.0% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 27,767
- First-time pass rate
- 83%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +11.3 points
- Average mileage at test
- 48,675
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Clubman?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Clubman MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 282 | 88% | 86% | +1.4 points | 28,740 |
| 2018 | 6,337 | 86% | 84% | +2.1 points | 36,150 |
| 2017 | 8,181 | 84% | 82% | +2.5 points | 44,621 |
| 2016 | 9,041 | 82% | 79% | +3.3 points | 52,898 |
| 2015 | 1,401 | 82% | 75% | +6.0 points | 57,158 |
| 2013 | 888 | 77% | 68% | +9.0 points | 65,027 |
| 2012 | 623 | 74% | 66% | +8.6 points | 75,704 |
| 2011 | 398 | 68% | 63% | +4.9 points | 85,671 |
| 2010 | 232 | 68% | 60% | +7.2 points | 88,980 |
| 2009 | 132 | 61% | 59% | +1.6 points | 88,840 |
| 2008 | 123 | 61% | 57% | +3.6 points | 92,345 |
Why the MINI Clubman fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Clubman | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 6.8% | 6.3% |
| Lights and electrics | 6.0% | 11.3% |
| Visibility | 2.2% | 4.8% |
| Brakes | 2.1% | 6.8% |
| Suspension | 1.8% | 8.9% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.9% | 3.1% |
| Road Wheels | 0.6% | 0.4% |
| Body and structure | 0.4% | 3.5% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.2% | 0.4% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.2% | 1.0% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working4.0%
- 2has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.1%
- 3tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.6%
- 4has ply or cords exposed1.3%
- 5has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.1%
- 6too high1.1%
- 7does not clear the windscreen effectively1.1%
- 8less than 1.5 mm thick1.0%
- 9fractured or broken1.0%
- 10provides insufficient washer liquid0.8%
Common Clubman MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Clubman, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 13.4% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 11.2% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 7.3% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 4.4% |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | Non-component advisories | 2.1% |
| has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords | Tyres | 2.1% |
| badly distorted | Road Wheels | 2.0% |
| Nail in tyre | Non-component advisories | 1.9% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 1.9% |
| significantly and obviously worn | Brakes | 1.7% |
Tips to help your Clubman pass
Based on where Clubmans most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 6.0% of Clubman tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Visibility · 2.2% of Clubman tests
Clear the view
Replace wiper blades that smear, fill the washer bottle and get chips in the windscreen repaired early, especially in the area directly in front of the driver.
Brakes · 2.1% of Clubman tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Compare with other models
Is the Clubman ULEZ compliant? See the MINI Clubman ULEZ check, or view all MINI models.
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 27,767 first MOT tests of the MINI Clubman carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 27,767 first MOT tests of the MINI Clubman.
What is the MINI Clubman MOT failure rate?
In our data, 17% of 27,767 first MOT attempts on the MINI Clubman ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a MINI Clubman fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were tyres (6.8% of tests), lights and electrics (6.0% of tests), visibility (2.2% of tests).
Which Clubman year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2013 cars performed best: 77% passed first time, +9.0 points against the average for 10-year-old cars. The weakest was 2019, at 88% (+1.4 points).
How many miles had a typical MINI Clubman covered at its MOT?
The average was 48,675 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2019 cars averaged 28,740 miles and 2008 cars 92,345.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the MINI Clubman?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 13.4% of tests, in the tyres area. 6.8% of Clubmans failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Clubman's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 27,767 Clubmans in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 61% to 88% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 4 min readTyre tread depth and the MOT: the legal limit and how to check6.3% of cars failed their 2023 MOT on tyres. The 1.6mm legal limit, what testers look for beyond tread, and a one-minute check with a 20p coin.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.Read the guide
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