Mini Cooper D MOT pass rate and common problems
78.0% of 11,265 Mini Cooper D MOT tests pass.
The Cooper D passes 78.0% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the average across all Mini models (83.6%).
At 78.0%, the Mini Cooper D passes slightly less often than the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Mini Cooper D?
This is the average across every Mini Cooper D in the dataset. Look up your own registration for its actual MOT history, and a free place to keep its maintenance records.
Have service invoices? Upload and keep them with your car’s history →
How to check and keep your Mini’s service history →
Pass rate by vehicle age
Pass rate declines noticeably with age, from 85.2% at 6–10 years to 70.2% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
| 3–6 years | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
| 6–10 years | 85.2% | 88 | 79,409 miles |
| 10–15 years | 78.0% | 11,026 | 88,410 miles |
| 15+ years | 70.2% | 151 | 119,118 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Mini Cooper D
The most common reason the Mini Cooper D fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 66.4% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 66.4% | Not working |
| Tyres | 25.8% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Brakes | 20.4% | Less than 1.5 mm thick |
| Suspension | 19.0% | Has a serious fluid leak |
| Visibility | 16.0% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.5% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Body, chassis, structure | 2.9% | Constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Steering | 1.7% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Identification of the vehicle | 1.5% | Does not conform to the specified requirements |
| Road Wheels | 1.4% | Fixing missing |
Buying a used Mini Cooper D: what to check
These checks follow the Mini Cooper D’s own MOT record: the areas it fails on most often, and how that changes as the car gets older. None of them replaces a mechanic’s inspection, but they tell you where to look first.
The biggest drop in pass rate for the Mini Cooper D comes between 10–15 years and 15+ years old, from 78.0% to 70.2%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 0–30,000 mi to 30,000–60,000 mi: 91.9% down to 82.5%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 66.4% of failed Mini Cooper D MOTs. 33.1% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 10.2% at 6–10 years.
Walk round with the lights on: headlights (dipped and main), indicators, brake lights, fog light and number-plate lamp. Check the dashboard warning lights come on with the ignition, then go out once the engine starts.
2. Tyres
Recorded in 25.8% of failed Mini Cooper D MOTs. 13.9% of tests at 15+ years failed on tyres, against 5.7% at 6–10 years.
Check tread depth across the whole width of every tyre, including the inner edge. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems. Look for cuts and bulges in the sidewalls.
3. Brakes
Recorded in 20.4% of failed Mini Cooper D MOTs. 19.2% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes, against 2.3% at 6–10 years.
On the test drive, the car should stop straight without pulling or juddering, and the handbrake should hold it on a slope. Look through the wheels for scored or heavily lipped discs.
4. Suspension
Recorded in 19.0% of failed Mini Cooper D MOTs. 14.6% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension, against 3.4% at 6–10 years.
Listen for knocks over bumps and speed humps, and check the car sits level. Push down on each corner: it should settle rather than keep bouncing.
5. Windscreen and wipers
Recorded in 16.0% of failed Mini Cooper D MOTs.
Look for windscreen chips and cracks in the driver’s line of sight, and check the wipers clear the screen and the washers work.
Check the car’s own MOT history. Averages describe the model, not the car in front of you. Look up its registration for past failures, advisories that were never fixed, and gaps or dips in the recorded mileage.
Ask for the service history. Invoices show what was done and when; a stamp alone shows less. See how to check Mini service history and what a service history check can tell you.
Related Mini models
- Mini John Cooper Works — 91.5% pass rate
- Mini Clubman — 86.3% pass rate
- Mini Paceman — 88.5% pass rate
- Mini Roadster — 86.8% pass rate
- Mini Cooper SD — 82.3% pass rate
- Mini First — 78.8% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Mini Cooper D?
- 78.0% of Mini Cooper D MOT tests pass, based on 11,265 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Mini Cooper D?
- The most common reason the Mini Cooper D fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 66.4% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
- What are the common problems with the Mini Cooper D?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Mini Cooper D are lights and electrics; tyres; brakes. 33.1% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 10.2% at 6–10 years.
- What should I check when buying a used Mini Cooper D?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: lights and electrics; tyres; brakes; suspension; windscreen and wipers. Then check the specific car's MOT history by registration for failures, advisories and mileage, and ask the seller for service invoices.
- Does this show the Mini Cooper D's service history?
- No — this is MOT test data, which covers roadworthiness, not servicing. A service history is a separate record of maintenance work, which a specific car only has if its owner has kept it. See the Mini service history guide for how to check and keep one.