2020 MINI Cooper: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2020 MINI Coopers, from 19,176 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 2020 MINI Coopers than on all cars registered in 2020.
- Tyre condition1.6× usualMINI Cooper21.6% All 2020 cars13.5%Rough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges. Uneven wear can point to tracking or suspension problems.
- Wipers2× usualMINI Cooper5.9% All 2020 cars2.9%Rough price £15–£60
At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.
Brake discs: 3% here, against 9% of all 2020 cars.
By area
The share of 2020 MINI Cooper MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres31% 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.
- Brakes9% 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 mirrors9% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Lights and electrics3% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension1% 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.
- Seats and seatbelts1% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 19,097 | Tyres 24% |
| 2021 | 17,354 | Tyres 26% |
| 2019 | 29,549 | Tyres 31% |
| 2018 | 30,709 | Tyres 31% |
| 2017 | 27,848 | Tyres 32% |
| 2016 | 26,746 | Tyres 30% |
| 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 2020 MINI Coopers registered in 2020. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score