At a Glance
Mini has 42 identified common problems across 8 models, with the Mini being the most affected model and exhaust the most common problem category. Based on 8.8M MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read how we identify common car problems →
Below: per-model breakdowns of Mini common problems, MOT failure rates by category, pass-rate data, and repair patterns drawn from 8.8M DVSA MOT tests across 20 years. Click any model to see generation-specific issues, mileage-banded fault patterns, and the most common MOT failures recorded by UK testers.
MOT Tests & Failures by Model
Top Mini models by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that model's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Mini Common Problems by Model
Select a model to see problems by generation
Mini
Most common: Brakes
Countryman
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
Clubman
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
Paceman
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
Roadster
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
Convertible
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
Coupe
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
Aceman
Most Common Mini MOT Failures
Every reason Mini vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 10.31% |
| 2 | Tyre condition | 9.01% |
| 3 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 7.19% |
| 4 | Number plate lamp not working | 6.52% |
| 5 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 5.60% |
| 6 | Position lamp not working | 4.61% |
| 7 | Windscreen washer not working | 4.17% |
| 8 | Brake performance below minimum | 3.96% |
| 9 | Brake pads or linings worn | 3.76% |
| 10 | Stop lamp not working | 3.46% |
| 11 | Exhaust system fault | 3.33% |
| 12 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 3.12% |
| 13 | Front lamp not working | 2.84% |
| 14 | Track rod end worn | 2.28% |
| 15 | Brake disc or drum worn | 2.26% |
| 16 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 2.14% |
| 17 | Driveshaft fault | 2.06% |
| 18 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 1.93% |
| 19 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.73% |
| 20 | Headlamp fault | 1.59% |
| 21 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.46% |
| 22 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.28% |
| 23 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.12% |
| 24 | Headlamp aim defect | 1.09% |
| 25 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.01% |
| 26 | Indicator fault | 0.94% |
| 27 | Front suspension fault | 0.80% |
| 28 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.79% |
| 29 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.61% |
| 30 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.52% |
| 31 | ABS fault | 0.51% |
| 32 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.48% |
| 33 | Steering rack fault | 0.40% |
| 34 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.39% |
| 35 | Rear lamp not working | 0.35% |
| 36 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.34% |
| 37 | Fog lamp not working | 0.33% |
| 38 | Horn not working | 0.32% |
| 39 | Airbag warning light on | 0.31% |
| 40 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.30% |
| 41 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.27% |
| 42 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.23% |
| 43 | Seat belt condition | 0.21% |
| 44 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.21% |
| 45 | Engine oil leak | 0.20% |
| 46 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.20% |
| 47 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.16% |
| 48 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.16% |
| 49 | Rear suspension fault | 0.16% |
| 50 | Brake caliper fault | 0.15% |
| 51 | Parking brake condition | 0.13% |
| 52 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.11% |
| 53 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.11% |
| 54 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.11% |
| 55 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.11% |
| 56 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.10% |
| 57 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.10% |
| 58 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.10% |
| 59 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.10% |
| 60 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.09% |
| 61 | Brake lever fault | 0.09% |
| 62 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.09% |
| 63 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.08% |
| 64 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.08% |
| 65 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.08% |
| 66 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.07% |
| 67 | Front passenger door fault | 0.06% |
| 68 | Brake fluid leak | 0.05% |
| 69 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.05% |
| 70 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.05% |
| 71 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.05% |
| 72 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.05% |
| 73 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.05% |
| 74 | Steering operation fault | 0.04% |
| 75 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.04% |
| 76 | Steering column fault | 0.04% |
| 77 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.04% |
| 78 | Power steering pump fault | 0.04% |
| 79 | Electrical switch fault | 0.03% |
| 80 | Propshaft fault | 0.03% |
| 81 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 82 | Driver seat fault | 0.03% |
| 83 | Exhaust leak | 0.03% |
| 84 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 85 | Electronic braking system fault | 0.03% |
| 86 | Brake pedal fault | 0.02% |
| 87 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.02% |
| 88 | Steering lock fault | 0.02% |
| 89 | Passenger seat fault | 0.02% |
| 90 | Steering arm worn | 0.02% |
| 91 | Steering free play excessive | 0.02% |
| 92 | Body security fault | 0.02% |
| 93 | Drag link end worn | 0.02% |
| 94 | Driver door fault | 0.01% |
| 95 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 96 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.01% |
| 97 | Power steering ram fault | 0.01% |
| 98 | Front fog lamp not working | 0.01% |
| 99 | Driver airbag fault | 0.01% |
| 100 | Chassis condition | 0.01% |
| 101 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.01% |
| 102 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.01% |
| 103 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 104 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 105 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 106 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 107 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 108 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 109 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 110 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 111 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 114 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 115 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 119 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 120 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 123 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | <0.01% |
| 124 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | <0.01% |
| 125 | Vehicle structure corrosion | <0.01% |
| 126 | Suspension unit fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 128 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
| 130 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | <0.01% |
| 132 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 134 | Subframe mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 135 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 136 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 140 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 142 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 145 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 146 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 148 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 152 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 153 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 154 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 155 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 158 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 159 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 160 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 161 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 162 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 163 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 164 | Spring mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 165 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 166 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 167 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 168 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 169 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 170 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 171 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 172 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 173 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 174 | Air brake cylinder or actuator fault | <0.01% |
| 175 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 176 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 177 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 178 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 179 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 180 | CV joint worn | <0.01% |
| 181 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 182 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 183 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 184 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 185 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 186 | Cab corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 187 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 188 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 189 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 190 | Chain drive fault | <0.01% |
| 191 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 192 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 193 | Seat belt load limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 194 | Steering head bearings worn | <0.01% |
Showing all 194 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Mini MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for Mini, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Mini problems?
Based on analysis of 8.8M Mini MOT tests from DVSA data, Mini has 42 identified common problems across 8 models. The Mini Mini has the most recorded problems. Exhaust issues are the most common category.
Which Mini model has the most problems?
By total identified common problems, the Mini Mini has the highest count with 34 problems. This is partly because it is one of the more popular Mini models on UK roads. See the models grid for a full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Mini?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Mini owners spot problems early. We review all submissions before they are published.
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