At a Glance
The Mini Mini has 32 identified common problems across 4 generations, with the R50/R53 (2001-2006) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 8.1M 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 our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Mini Mini common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Mini Mini generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Browse Mini Mini Generations
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Most Common Mini Mini MOT Failures
Every reason Mini 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 | 10.33% |
| 2 | Tyre condition | 8.56% |
| 3 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 7.09% |
| 4 | Number plate lamp not working | 6.57% |
| 5 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 5.71% |
| 6 | Position lamp not working | 4.61% |
| 7 | Windscreen washer not working | 4.12% |
| 8 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.03% |
| 9 | Brake pads or linings worn | 3.67% |
| 10 | Stop lamp not working | 3.48% |
| 11 | Exhaust system fault | 3.42% |
| 12 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 3.21% |
| 13 | Front lamp not working | 2.91% |
| 14 | Track rod end worn | 2.34% |
| 15 | Brake disc or drum worn | 2.29% |
| 16 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 2.20% |
| 17 | Driveshaft fault | 2.10% |
| 18 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 1.98% |
| 19 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.69% |
| 20 | Headlamp fault | 1.58% |
| 21 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.47% |
| 22 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.25% |
| 23 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.13% |
| 24 | Headlamp aim defect | 1.11% |
| 25 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.02% |
| 26 | Indicator fault | 0.94% |
| 27 | Front suspension fault | 0.83% |
| 28 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.79% |
| 29 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.59% |
| 30 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.53% |
| 31 | ABS fault | 0.51% |
| 32 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.49% |
| 33 | Steering rack fault | 0.40% |
| 34 | Rear lamp not working | 0.36% |
| 35 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.35% |
| 36 | Fog lamp not working | 0.34% |
| 37 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.32% |
| 38 | Horn not working | 0.32% |
| 39 | Airbag warning light on | 0.31% |
| 40 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.31% |
| 41 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.28% |
| 42 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.24% |
| 43 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.21% |
| 44 | Engine oil leak | 0.21% |
| 45 | Seat belt condition | 0.20% |
| 46 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.20% |
| 47 | Rear suspension fault | 0.16% |
| 48 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.16% |
| 49 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.16% |
| 50 | Brake caliper fault | 0.15% |
| 51 | Parking brake condition | 0.13% |
| 52 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.11% |
| 53 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.11% |
| 54 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.11% |
| 55 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.11% |
| 56 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.10% |
| 57 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.10% |
| 58 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.09% |
| 59 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.09% |
| 60 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.09% |
| 61 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.09% |
| 62 | Brake lever fault | 0.09% |
| 63 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.08% |
| 64 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.08% |
| 65 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.07% |
| 66 | Headlamp levelling device 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 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.05% |
| 71 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.05% |
| 72 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.05% |
| 73 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.04% |
| 74 | Steering operation fault | 0.04% |
| 75 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.04% |
| 76 | Steering column fault | 0.04% |
| 77 | Power steering pump fault | 0.04% |
| 78 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.03% |
| 79 | Electrical switch fault | 0.03% |
| 80 | Propshaft fault | 0.03% |
| 81 | Driver seat fault | 0.03% |
| 82 | Exhaust leak | 0.03% |
| 83 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 84 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 85 | Electronic braking system fault | 0.02% |
| 86 | Brake pedal fault | 0.02% |
| 87 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.02% |
| 88 | Steering lock fault | 0.02% |
| 89 | Steering arm worn | 0.02% |
| 90 | Passenger seat fault | 0.02% |
| 91 | Steering free play excessive | 0.02% |
| 92 | Body security fault | 0.02% |
| 93 | Drag link end worn | 0.02% |
| 94 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 95 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.01% |
| 96 | Power steering ram fault | 0.01% |
| 97 | Driver door fault | 0.01% |
| 98 | Chassis condition | 0.01% |
| 99 | Front fog lamp not working | 0.01% |
| 100 | Driver airbag fault | 0.01% |
| 101 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 102 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.01% |
| 103 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 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 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 109 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 110 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 111 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 112 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 113 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 119 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 120 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 122 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Vehicle structure corrosion | <0.01% |
| 124 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | <0.01% |
| 125 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | <0.01% |
| 126 | Suspension unit fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 128 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
| 129 | Dip switch fault | <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 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 140 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 144 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 145 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 146 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 148 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 152 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 153 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 154 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <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 Mini MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Mini 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 Mini problems?
Based on analysis of 8.1M Mini Mini MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 32 identified common problems across 4 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Spark ignition emissions above threshold". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Mini Mini generation has the most problems?
The Mini Mini R50/R53 (2001-2006) (2001–2006) has the highest number of identified common problems (31). Click the generation card above for the 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 Mini?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Mini Mini owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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