How reliable are MINIs? Every model at the MOT
DVSA recorded 2,372,848 MOT tests on MINI cars in 2023 to 2025, and 76.6% were a pass. That is 4.9 points above the figure for every car tested. Below, each of the 10 models with enough tests to judge. The best-performing MINI with a meaningful sample is the John Cooper Works at 86.3% and the weakest the Hatch at 62.7%. A gap that size within one make usually reflects the age of the cars still on the road rather than the design, which is why the age-adjusted column matters.
| Model | Pass rate | Age-adjusted | Tests | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MINI Cooper | 84.4% | +5.7 | 958,163 | 2003 to 2023 |
| MINI Hatch | 62.7% | +6.6 | 819,157 | 2001 to 2014 |
| MINI Countryman | 85.2% | +6.9 | 279,883 | 2010 to 2022 |
| MINI One | 80% | +6.8 | 149,103 | 2009 to 2022 |
| MINI Clubman | 81.6% | +2.7 | 73,477 | 2015 to 2018 |
| MINI John Cooper Works | 86.3% | +5 | 57,618 | 2013 to 2022 |
| MINI Paceman | 82.7% | +10.7 | 23,066 | 2013 to 2016 |
| MINI Roadster | 79.5% | +8.4 | 7,698 | 2013 to 2015 |
| MINI First | 73% | +6.7 | 3,673 | 2012 to 2013 |
| MINI GT | 87% | +4.6 | 1,010 | 2018 to 2018 |
Each model page breaks the figures down by year of first use and by mileage, lists the defects that fail it and the advisories testers record before a failure, and compares petrol, diesel and hybrid versions where the data allows. For a specific car, the free MOT history check shows its own record against these averages, and the all makes ranked shows where MINI sits overall.
Questions people ask
Are MINIs reliable?
MINI cars pass 76.6% of MOTs against 71.7% for all cars, from 2,372,848 tests, and 89.8% pass their first test at three years old. Within the range the Paceman is the strongest once age is allowed for and the Clubman the weakest.
Which MINI is the most reliable?
Age-adjusted, the MINI Paceman, at +10.7 points against cars of the same age; on raw pass rate the John Cooper Works leads at 86.3%, helped by a younger fleet.
What fails MINIs most at the MOT?
Across the range: wipers not clearing the screen, a tyre worn or cut to the cords and a sidelight not working. Each model page lists its own top failures and the advisories that come before them.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 to 2025. Methodology.