Used car guide

2010 MINI Countryman: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2010 MINI Countrymans, from 322 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 322 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

322MOT tests in 2025
66%pass first time (all 2010 cars: 59%)
6,400typical miles a year
2×the usual rate for engine oil leaks

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2010 MINI Countrymans than on all cars registered in 2010.

  • Engine oil leaks2× usual
    MINI Countryman
    20.2% All 2010 cars
    10.2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.2% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

By area

The share of 2010 MINI Countryman MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Lights and electrics
    27% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Tyres
    27% 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.

  • Suspension
    27% 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 leaks
    21% 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.

  • Brakes
    20% 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 mirrors
    10% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Known faults

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

Looking at a MINI Countryman?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2023528Tyres 11%
20228,018Tyres 22%
20217,456Tyres 23%
20208,100Tyres 27%
201913,896Tyres 28%
201813,862Tyres 29%
201710,970Tyres 28%
20169,175Tyres 30%
20159,114Tyres 30%
201412,635Tyres 31%
20132,843Tyres 31%
20122,500Tyres 34%
20112,720Tyres 31%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2010 MINI Countrymans registered in 2010. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score