2011 · 13 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2011 MINI Cooper MOT pass rate and common faults

1,751 MOT tests in 2024. 67.9% passed first time, compared with 61.8% for all cars the same age.

110Well above average
Passed first time67.9%
Failed or needed repairs32.1%
Typical mileage at test84,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,751 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Position lamp: not working10.0%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.7%
    77 marked dangerous
  3. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak2.3%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.9%
  5. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.8%
  6. Service brake performance: excessively binding1.5%
  7. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.4%
    29 marked dangerous
  8. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.3%
  9. Headlamp aim: too low1.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics24.0%
  2. Tyres7.9%
  3. Brakes7.9%
  4. Suspension6.7%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.9%
  6. Emissions & leaks3.7%
  7. Body & chassis1.3%
  8. Wheels0.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm17.1%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened11.3%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure8.9%
  4. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened6.5%
  5. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine6.5%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: position lamp: not working. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2011 MINI Cooper?

In 2024, 67.9% of 2011 MINI Cooper cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,751 tests. The average for all 13-year-old cars was 61.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2011 MINI Cooper?

The most common failure reasons were position lamp: not working; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2011 MINI Cooper reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 110, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).