2016 MINI Cooper: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2016 MINI Coopers, from 26,746 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2016 MINI Coopers than on all cars registered in 2016.
- Wipers1.5× usualMINI Cooper3.8% All 2016 cars2.5%Rough price £15–£60
At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.
- Windscreen1.5× usualMINI Cooper3.5% All 2016 cars2.4%Rough price £60–£300
At the viewing: Check for chips or cracks in the driver's view.
Suspension arm bushes and joints: 2.2% here, against 6.1% of all 2016 cars. Shock absorbers: 0.9% here, against 4.3% of all 2016 cars.
By area
The share of 2016 MINI Cooper MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres30% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Brakes14% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors8% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Lights and electrics6% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension6% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Oil and fluid leaks1% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
Looking at a MINI Cooper?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 19,097 | Tyres 24% |
| 2021 | 17,354 | Tyres 26% |
| 2020 | 19,176 | Tyres 31% |
| 2019 | 29,549 | Tyres 31% |
| 2018 | 30,709 | Tyres 31% |
| 2017 | 27,848 | Tyres 32% |
| 2015 | 26,175 | Tyres 30% |
| 2014 | 18,945 | Tyres 30% |
| 2013 | 6,706 | Tyres 30% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2016 MINI Coopers registered in 2016. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score