MINI Paceman MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 7,986 MOT tests on the MINI Paceman carried out in 2023. 16% 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 Pacemans passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2013 to 2017. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2013 models did best (80% passed, +12.2 points against the average for 10-year-old cars), while 2016 models fared worst (89%, +10.2 points). Tested cars had covered 58,065 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was tyres, found on 6.3% of tests (roughly in line with the 6.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm", on 1.9% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 7,986
- First-time pass rate
- 85%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +13.1 points
- Average mileage at test
- 58,065
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Paceman?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Paceman 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 131 | 93% | 82% | +11.5 points | 38,700 |
| 2016 | 1,347 | 89% | 79% | +10.2 points | 46,891 |
| 2015 | 2,102 | 86% | 75% | +10.5 points | 54,474 |
| 2014 | 3,744 | 83% | 72% | +10.8 points | 62,710 |
| 2013 | 660 | 80% | 68% | +12.2 points | 69,830 |
Why the MINI Paceman fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Paceman | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 6.3% | 6.3% |
| Lights and electrics | 4.8% | 11.3% |
| Brakes | 2.9% | 6.8% |
| Visibility | 1.6% | 4.8% |
| Suspension | 1.3% | 8.9% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.0% | 3.1% |
| Body and structure | 0.6% | 3.5% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.3% | 0.4% |
| Road Wheels | 0.3% | 0.4% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.3% | 1.0% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.9%
- 2has ply or cords exposed1.5%
- 3less than 1.5 mm thick1.3%
- 4too high1.1%
- 5not working1.1%
- 6has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.1%
- 7too low0.7%
- 8inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps0.7%
- 9has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.7%
- 10provides insufficient washer liquid0.6%
Common Paceman MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Paceman, 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 | 17.0% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 7.7% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 6.5% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 4.2% |
| Nail in tyre | Non-component advisories | 2.4% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 2.3% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 2.3% |
| significantly and obviously worn | Brakes | 1.7% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.6% |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | Non-component advisories | 1.3% |
Tips to help your Paceman pass
Based on where Pacemans most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 4.8% of Paceman 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.
Brakes · 2.9% of Paceman 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.
Visibility · 1.6% of Paceman 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.
Compare with other models
Is the Paceman ULEZ compliant? See the MINI Paceman ULEZ check, or view all MINI models.
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 7,986 first MOT tests of the MINI Paceman 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 7,986 first MOT tests of the MINI Paceman.
What is the MINI Paceman MOT failure rate?
In our data, 16% of 7,986 first MOT attempts on the MINI Paceman ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a MINI Paceman fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were tyres (6.3% of tests), lights and electrics (4.8% of tests), brakes (2.9% of tests).
Which Paceman year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2013 cars performed best: 80% passed first time, +12.2 points against the average for 10-year-old cars. The weakest was 2016, at 89% (+10.2 points).
How many miles had a typical MINI Paceman covered at its MOT?
The average was 58,065 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2017 cars averaged 38,700 miles and 2013 cars 69,830.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the MINI Paceman?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 17.0% of tests, in the tyres area. 6.3% of Pacemans failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Paceman's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 7,986 Pacemans in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 80% to 93% 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
Check any Paceman's MOT history
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