The picture
Mini (R58): middle-of-the-pack on first-time pass
Across 2,406 MOT tests, the Mini (R58) returns 76.6% first-time pass — roughly in line with the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is a number-plate lamp out. A lamp out and stop lamp with a multiple light source up round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 71,140, which is the lens to read those failure rankings through. If you own one and the next test is close, the ranked list below is a sensible pre-test checklist.
Top ten reasons for rejection.
- 01
A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources
126 occurrences · 5.2% of tests
- 02
A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
100 occurrences · 4.2% of tests
- 03
Stop lamp with a multiple light source up to 1/2 not functioning
86 occurrences · 3.6% of tests
- 04
Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view
65 occurrences · 2.7% of tests
- 05
A shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage
48 occurrences · 2.0% of tests
- 06
Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements
40 occurrences · 1.7% of tests
- 07
Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen
27 occurrences · 1.1% of tests
- 08
a brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm
23 occurrences · 1.0% of tests
- 09
Significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake
23 occurrences · 1.0% of tests
- 10
A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn
23 occurrences · 1.0% of tests
Counts cover Major and Dangerous defects logged at test. Advisory items excluded so this shows why a car was rejected, not just what the tester flagged in passing.
Worst-case fix budget · top 2 failures
£16–£70
If every one of this Mini (r58)'s most-logged Major fails hit at the same MOT, that's the real-world UK garage range. Reality is usually one or two items, not all of them. Open the estimator →
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Picked against this car's top failure patterns. Affiliate links to Amazon UK — we earn a small cut at no cost to you. Disclosed up-front, doesn't shape the data.
Buying or keeping a Mini (r58)?
Use the failure ranking as a pre-test checklist or a haggling lever. Treat the headline pass rate as a fleet-wide trend, not a guarantee on any individual car.
If you own a Mini (r58) and your last MOT looked nothing like the ranked failures above, that's normal — individual cars vary widely. The ranking shows the patterns testers flag most often across the country.