2002 · 22 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2002 MINI Cooper MOT pass rate and common faults

129 MOT tests in 2024. 49.6% passed first time, compared with 58.1% for all cars the same age.

85Well below average
Passed first time49.6%
Failed or needed repairs50.4%
Typical mileage at test97,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 129 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault8.5%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt7.0%
  3. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect7.0%
  4. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn5.4%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases4.7%
  6. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded4.7%
  7. Service brake performance: excessively binding3.9%
  8. Stop lamp: not working3.9%
  9. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn3.1%
  10. Headlamp aim: too high3.1%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics41.9%
  2. Suspension21.7%
  3. Brakes21.7%
  4. Body & chassis14.7%
  5. Seat belts & airbags10.1%
  6. Emissions & leaks9.3%
  7. Steering6.2%
  8. Tyres6.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine27.1%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded22.5%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm16.3%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened16.3%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure14.0%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: srs malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All Cooper years2003 Cooper →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2002 MINI Cooper?

In 2024, 49.6% of 2002 MINI Cooper cars passed their MOT first time, across 129 tests. The average for all 22-year-old cars was 58.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2002 MINI Cooper?

The most common failure reasons were srs malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2002 MINI Cooper reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 85, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).