At a Glance
The Morris Mini has 15 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the Mini (1959-2000) being the most affected generation and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 27K 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 Morris 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
Morris 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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Help other Morris Mini owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
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Browse Morris Mini Generations
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Most Common Morris Mini MOT Failures
Every reason Morris 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 | Windscreen washer not working | 6.77% |
| 2 | Driveshaft fault | 6.39% |
| 3 | Brake performance below minimum | 5.99% |
| 4 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 5.62% |
| 5 | Stop lamp not working | 5.47% |
| 6 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 4.92% |
| 7 | Headlamp aim defect | 4.34% |
| 8 | Exhaust system fault | 4.27% |
| 9 | Number plate lamp not working | 4.26% |
| 10 | Suspension mounting corroded | 3.49% |
| 11 | Front lamp not working | 3.08% |
| 12 | Track rod end worn | 2.88% |
| 13 | Body corrosion or damage | 2.86% |
| 14 | Tyre condition | 2.65% |
| 15 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 2.31% |
| 16 | Front suspension joint worn | 2.28% |
| 17 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 2.18% |
| 18 | Chassis condition | 2.17% |
| 19 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.91% |
| 20 | Front suspension fault | 1.78% |
| 21 | Rear suspension fault | 1.73% |
| 22 | Rear lamp not working | 1.47% |
| 23 | Indicator fault | 1.35% |
| 24 | Subframe mounting corroded | 1.08% |
| 25 | Steering rack fault | 0.81% |
| 26 | Position lamp not working | 0.78% |
| 27 | Steering column fault | 0.77% |
| 28 | Seat belt condition | 0.71% |
| 29 | Horn not working | 0.70% |
| 30 | Parking brake condition | 0.67% |
| 31 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.60% |
| 32 | Brake pedal fault | 0.56% |
| 33 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.55% |
| 34 | Steering free play excessive | 0.55% |
| 35 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.54% |
| 36 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.51% |
| 37 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.51% |
| 38 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.50% |
| 39 | Brake fluid leak | 0.48% |
| 40 | Headlamp fault | 0.47% |
| 41 | Electrical switch fault | 0.46% |
| 42 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.45% |
| 43 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.45% |
| 44 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.36% |
| 45 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.35% |
| 46 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.33% |
| 47 | Brake disc or drum worn | 0.28% |
| 48 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.27% |
| 49 | Steering arm worn | 0.27% |
| 50 | Steering operation fault | 0.27% |
| 51 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.26% |
| 52 | Steering lock fault | 0.25% |
| 53 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.23% |
| 54 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.22% |
| 55 | CV joint worn | 0.21% |
| 56 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.21% |
| 57 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.20% |
| 58 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.19% |
| 59 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.16% |
| 60 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.16% |
| 61 | Steering shaft fault | 0.15% |
| 62 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.15% |
| 63 | Brake clevis joint worn | 0.14% |
| 64 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.14% |
| 65 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.14% |
| 66 | Brake caliper fault | 0.13% |
| 67 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.13% |
| 68 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.12% |
| 69 | Brake pads or linings worn | 0.11% |
| 70 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.11% |
| 71 | Body security fault | 0.09% |
| 72 | Drag link end worn | 0.09% |
| 73 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.09% |
| 74 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.09% |
| 75 | Suspension unit fault | 0.09% |
| 76 | Brake lever fault | 0.09% |
| 77 | Driver seat fault | 0.09% |
| 78 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.09% |
| 79 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.08% |
| 80 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.07% |
| 81 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.07% |
| 82 | Speedometer fault | 0.07% |
| 83 | Fog lamp not working | 0.06% |
| 84 | Radius arm worn or corroded | 0.06% |
| 85 | Semaphore indicator fault | 0.06% |
| 86 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.06% |
| 87 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.06% |
| 88 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.06% |
| 89 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.06% |
| 90 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.04% |
| 91 | Brake relay lever fault | 0.04% |
| 92 | Engine oil leak | 0.04% |
| 93 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.04% |
| 94 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.04% |
| 95 | Towbar fault | 0.04% |
| 96 | Steering lock stop fault | 0.03% |
| 97 | Brake valve fault | 0.02% |
| 98 | Indicator warning light fault | 0.02% |
| 99 | Passenger seat fault | 0.02% |
| 100 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.02% |
| 101 | Steering coupling worn | 0.02% |
| 102 | Brake linkage mounting fault | 0.02% |
| 103 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.02% |
| 104 | Exhaust leak | 0.02% |
| 105 | Front passenger door fault | 0.02% |
| 106 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.02% |
| 107 | Propshaft fault | 0.02% |
| 108 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 109 | Body strengthening plate corroded | 0.01% |
| 110 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 111 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.01% |
| 112 | Brake pedal linkage fault | 0.01% |
| 113 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 114 | Spare wheel fault | 0.01% |
| 115 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | 0.01% |
| 116 | Suspension coupling worn | 0.01% |
| 117 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 118 | Brake fluid warning light on | <0.01% |
| 119 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Driver door fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 123 | Handbrake lever fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 127 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 128 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Rear fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 130 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 131 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 132 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 133 | MacPherson strut worn | <0.01% |
Showing all 133 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Morris Mini MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Morris 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 Morris Mini problems?
Based on analysis of 27K Morris Mini MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 15 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Brake performance below minimum". Suspension is the most common problem category.
Which Morris Mini generation has the most problems?
The Morris Mini Mini (1959-2000) (1959–2000) has the highest number of identified common problems (17). 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 Morris Mini?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Morris Mini owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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