2021 MINI John Cooper Works: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the MINI John Cooper Works first registered in 2021: we looked at the 2,687 MOTs these cars had during 2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Common 2021 MINI John Cooper Works MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2021 MINI John Cooper Works MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres22% 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.
- Brakes7% 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 mirrors6% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Lights and electrics1% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Seats and seatbelts1% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
- 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.
Known faults on the 2021 MINI John Cooper Works
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.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2021 MINI John Cooper Works
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Has the clutch or its hydraulics had any work?
- Has the gear linkage been adjusted?
- Has any paintwork been done?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a MINI John Cooper Works?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the MINI John Cooper Works 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 | 158 | Tyres 6% |
| 2022 | 2,514 | Tyres 20% |
| 2020 | 3,082 | Tyres 23% |
| 2019 | 2,715 | Tyres 25% |
| 2018 | 2,890 | Tyres 26% |
| 2017 | 3,028 | Tyres 24% |
| 2016 | 2,040 | Tyres 27% |
| 2015 | 1,658 | Tyres 24% |
| 2014 | 347 | Tyres 29% |
| 2013 | 824 | Suspension 22% |
| 2012 | 279 | Tyres 23% |
| 2011 | 114 | Tyres 26% |
| 2010 | – | Too few tests |
| 2009 | – | Too few tests |
| 2008 | – | Too few tests |
| 2007 | – | Too few tests |
| 2006 | – | Too few tests |
| 2005 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2025, counting the MOTs of MINI John Cooper Works cars first registered in 2021. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score