2021 MINI Cooper: petrol or diesel?
Petrol, diesel and hybrid versions go wrong in different ways, so each has its own figures from the MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Pick the one you’re looking at: the fuel is on the logbook and in the car’s MOT history.
Known faults on every 2021 MINI Cooper
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.
- Manual gearbox
Clutch hydraulics and pedal spring
On manual cars the clutch can play up, either from the hydraulics or the pedal return spring.
At the viewing: Feel the clutch pedal on the test drive: it should be smooth and come back up fully.
If it needs doing: Clutch replacement, about £250–£600. ClickMechanic
- Manual gearbox
Jumping out of gear
Some cars jump out of gear, usually first gear at low speed. Adjusting the gear linkage usually fixes it.
At the viewing: Pull away in first several times and check it stays in gear.
- All engines
Paint worn at the door pillar
Door rubbers can wear through the paint on the pillar behind the front doors.
At the viewing: Open the doors and check the paint on the pillar.
Looking at a MINI Cooper?
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Other years
Every year of the MINI Cooper compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 1,830 | Tyres 9% |
| 2022 | 37,049 | Tyres 24% |
| 2020 | 99,923 | Tyres 26% |
| 2019 | 136,979 | Tyres 27% |
| 2018 | 119,631 | Tyres 29% |
| 2017 | 111,302 | Tyres 31% |
| 2016 | 107,003 | Tyres 30% |
| 2015 | 100,925 | Tyres 29% |
| 2014 | 73,283 | Tyres 29% |
| 2013 | 43,756 | Tyres 29% |
| 2012 | 26,051 | Tyres 30% |
| 2011 | 9,197 | Tyres 31% |
| 2010 | 5,000 | Lights and electrics 32% |
| 2009 | 3,730 | Lights and electrics 33% |
| 2008 | 3,244 | Suspension 34% |
| 2007 | 3,764 | Suspension 36% |
| 2006 | 1,935 | Brakes 45% |
| 2005 | 1,836 | Brakes 52% |
| 2004 | 1,480 | Brakes 50% |
| 2003 | 1,100 | Brakes 52% |
| 2002 | 575 | Brakes 50% |
| 2001 | 130 | Brakes 59% |