Rover Mini MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 11,723 MOT tests on the Rover Mini carried out in 2023. 31% failed at the first attempt, which is slightly above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 7 in 10 Minis passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1979 to 2001. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2000 models did best (72% passed, +11.4 points against the average for 23-year-old cars), while 1987 models fared worst (66%, −6.0 points). Tested cars had covered 50,502 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 14.8% of tests (slightly above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 8.3% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 11,723
- First-time pass rate
- 69%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −2.1 points
- Average mileage at test
- 50,502
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Mini?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Mini 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 384 | 68% | 59% | +9.6 points | 42,935 |
| 2000 | 1,176 | 72% | 61% | +11.4 points | 45,360 |
| 1999 | 784 | 70% | 62% | +7.0 points | 49,004 |
| 1998 | 909 | 71% | 64% | +7.3 points | 52,066 |
| 1997 | 688 | 68% | 64% | +3.8 points | 51,768 |
| 1996 | 790 | 67% | 65% | +1.3 points | 49,610 |
| 1995 | 794 | 69% | 66% | +2.4 points | 52,990 |
| 1994 | 927 | 66% | 66% | −0.6 points | 52,713 |
| 1993 | 934 | 68% | 67% | +1.6 points | 51,783 |
| 1992 | 819 | 68% | 68% | −0.5 points | 53,825 |
| 1991 | 999 | 69% | 70% | −0.8 points | 51,790 |
| 1990 | 1,020 | 68% | 71% | −3.2 points | 50,941 |
| 1989 | 356 | 67% | 72% | −4.6 points | 52,433 |
| 1988 | 138 | 69% | 71% | −2.1 points | 53,987 |
| 1987 | 105 | 66% | 72% | −6.0 points | 46,934 |
| 1986 | 97 | 72% | 71% | +0.8 points | 48,619 |
| 1985 | 97 | 68% | 72% | −4.2 points | 45,670 |
| 1984 | 106 | 75% | 73% | +1.9 points | 50,513 |
| 1983 | 78 | 72% | 75% | −3.2 points | 48,202 |
| 1979 | 56 | 79% | 79% | −0.4 points | 59,391 |
Why the Rover Mini fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Mini | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 14.8% | 11.3% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 11.1% | 3.1% |
| Suspension | 9.4% | 8.9% |
| Brakes | 9.0% | 6.8% |
| Body and structure | 7.1% | 3.5% |
| Visibility | 6.9% | 4.8% |
| Steering | 5.1% | 1.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 1.9% | 1.0% |
| Tyres | 1.6% | 6.3% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.7% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working8.3%
- 2efficiency below requirements3.7%
- 3gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.7%
- 4across an axle3.7%
- 5prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.4%
- 6emissions carbon monoxide content excessive3.3%
- 7not working2.7%
- 8Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.6%
- 9too high2.4%
- 10provides insufficient washer liquid2.4%
Common Mini MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Mini, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 12.0% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 7.8% |
| has excessive play | Suspension | 6.6% |
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 4.2% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 4.0% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 3.8% |
| has a major leak of exhaust gases | Body and structure | 3.7% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 3.7% |
| prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength | Suspension | 3.2% |
| corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced | Body and structure | 3.0% |
Tips to help your Mini pass
Based on where Minis most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 14.8% of Mini 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 · 9.0% of Mini 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 Mini ULEZ compliant? See the Rover Mini ULEZ check, or view all Rover models.
Other Rover models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 11,723 first MOT tests of the Rover Mini 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 11,723 first MOT tests of the Rover Mini.
What is the Rover Mini MOT failure rate?
In our data, 31% of 11,723 first MOT attempts on the Rover Mini ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Rover Mini fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (14.8% of tests), noise, emissions and leaks (11.1% of tests), suspension (9.4% of tests).
Which Mini year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2000 cars performed best: 72% passed first time, +11.4 points against the average for 23-year-old cars. The weakest was 1987, at 66% (−6.0 points).
How many miles had a typical Rover Mini covered at its MOT?
The average was 50,502 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2001 cars averaged 42,935 miles and 1979 cars 59,391.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Rover Mini?
"leaking excessively from engine" was recorded on 12.0% of tests, in the noise, emissions and leaks area. 11.1% of Minis failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Mini's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 11,723 Minis in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 66% to 79% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- 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 · 4 min readDashboard warning lights and the MOT: which ones mean a fail?An engine, ABS or airbag light that stays on is a major defect at the MOT, even if the car drives perfectly. Which lights testers check, and what to do first.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
Check any Mini's MOT history
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