At a Glance
The Mini Roadster has 6 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the R59 (2012-2015) being the most affected generation and tyres & wheels the most common problem category. Based on 21K 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 Roadster 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 Roadster 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.
Tell Us About Your Problem
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Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Mini Roadster owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
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Browse Mini Roadster Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
Most Common Mini Roadster MOT Failures
Every reason Mini Roadster 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 | Tyre condition | 13.13% |
| 2 | Number plate lamp not working | 11.99% |
| 3 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 11.78% |
| 4 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 7.81% |
| 5 | Position lamp not working | 5.80% |
| 6 | Brake disc or drum worn | 5.62% |
| 7 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 5.05% |
| 8 | Brake pads or linings worn | 4.63% |
| 9 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.51% |
| 10 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 3.51% |
| 11 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 2.64% |
| 12 | Windscreen washer not working | 2.19% |
| 13 | Headlamp fault | 2.04% |
| 14 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 1.98% |
| 15 | Rear fog lamp not working | 1.89% |
| 16 | Stop lamp not working | 1.83% |
| 17 | Indicator fault | 1.56% |
| 18 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.93% |
| 19 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.75% |
| 20 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.72% |
| 21 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.66% |
| 22 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.57% |
| 23 | Exhaust system fault | 0.51% |
| 24 | ABS fault | 0.45% |
| 25 | Airbag warning light on | 0.45% |
| 26 | Driveshaft fault | 0.45% |
| 27 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.45% |
| 28 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.42% |
| 29 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.42% |
| 30 | Horn not working | 0.39% |
| 31 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.36% |
| 32 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.36% |
| 33 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.21% |
| 34 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.21% |
| 35 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.21% |
| 36 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.21% |
| 37 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.21% |
| 38 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.21% |
| 39 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.21% |
| 40 | Headlamp aim defect | 0.21% |
| 41 | Front lamp not working | 0.18% |
| 42 | Steering rack fault | 0.18% |
| 43 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.18% |
| 44 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.12% |
| 45 | Track rod end worn | 0.12% |
| 46 | Brake caliper fault | 0.09% |
| 47 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.09% |
| 48 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.09% |
| 49 | Engine oil leak | 0.09% |
| 50 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.09% |
| 51 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.09% |
| 52 | Exhaust leak | 0.06% |
| 53 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.06% |
| 54 | Front passenger door fault | 0.06% |
| 55 | Front suspension fault | 0.06% |
| 56 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.06% |
| 57 | Seat belt condition | 0.06% |
| 58 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.06% |
| 59 | Access panel damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 60 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.03% |
| 61 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.03% |
| 62 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.03% |
| 63 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 0.03% |
| 64 | Brake pedal fault | 0.03% |
| 65 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 66 | Driver door fault | 0.03% |
| 67 | Electrical switch fault | 0.03% |
| 68 | Electronic braking system fault | 0.03% |
| 69 | Electronic parking brake fault | 0.03% |
| 70 | Fog lamp not working | 0.03% |
| 71 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.03% |
| 72 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.03% |
| 73 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | 0.03% |
| 74 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.03% |
| 75 | Propshaft fault | 0.03% |
| 76 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 77 | Rear suspension fault | 0.03% |
| 78 | Seat belt or padding damaged | 0.03% |
| 79 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.03% |
| 80 | Suspension unit fault | 0.03% |
| 81 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 82 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.03% |
Showing all 82 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Mini Roadster MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Mini Roadster, 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 Roadster problems?
Based on analysis of 21K Mini Roadster MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 6 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Wiper blades deteriorated". Tyres & Wheels is the most common problem category.
Which Mini Roadster generation has the most problems?
The Mini Roadster R59 (2012-2015) (2012–2015) has the highest number of identified common problems (6). 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 Roadster?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Mini Roadster owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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