CarHistory.cc
‹ MINI

MINI Hatch years to avoid? MOT pass rate by year

660,821 initial MOT tests in 2025 on cars first used 2001–2023 · DVSA data · For guidance only · How we count

MINI Hatch years with MOT pass rates below the average for vehicles first used in the same year: 2001–2005. Above it: 2008–2023. The other 2 years can't be told apart from average.

The MOT pass rate is one signal, not the whole story. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't record gearbox or engine faults, and a pass rate also reflects mileage and upkeep, so the table shows median mileage too. Whatever the year, the car in front of you matters more than its model's average.

76.3%passed first time

First-time pass rate, all years together: initial tests passed with no repairs. 95% range 76.2% to 76.4%.

In 2025, 76.3% of the 660,821 initial MOT tests on MINI Hatch cars were passed with no repairs. The same-age average, for all vehicles first used in the same years, was 71.6%. That is 4.7 points above the same-age average.

Check a specific Hatch

Its own MOT history, free.

MINI Hatch MOT pass rate by year

Year is when the car was first used. Older vehicles fail more often, so each year is compared with all vehicles first used that year.

YearChartTestsmedian milesPassed first timeAgainst all vehicles that year
2023age 21,95914,70095.2%±1.1+3.6 ptsall: 91.6%
2022age 338,86118,30090.4%±0.3+1.9 ptsall: 88.5%
2021age 438,17224,30088.7%±0.4+1.5 ptsall: 87.2%
2020age 537,33228,70088.1%±0.4+2.1 ptsall: 86.0%
2019age 650,16434,60087.9%±0.3+4.4 ptsall: 83.5%
2018age 744,88940,70086.9%±0.4+6.0 ptsall: 80.9%
2017age 845,84248,00084.9%±0.4+6.7 ptsall: 78.2%
2016age 946,23955,00083.6%±0.4+8.7 ptsall: 74.9%
2015age 1045,93162,50081.5%±0.4+9.6 ptsall: 71.9%
2014age 1131,56867,60079.4%±0.5+10.8 ptsall: 68.6%
2013age 1241,64074,00073.1%±0.5+7.3 ptsall: 65.8%
2012age 1335,03078,40071.2%±0.5+7.7 ptsall: 63.5%
2011age 1429,03183,60066.7%±0.6+5.5 ptsall: 61.2%
2010age 1530,93885,90065.6%±0.6+6.3 ptsall: 59.3%
2009age 1626,88887,90061.1%±0.6+2.8 ptsall: 58.3%
2008age 1723,56493,20058.8%±0.7+1.6 ptsall: 57.2%
2007age 1822,15591,80057.0%±0.7−0.4 ptsall: 57.4%
2006age 1918,33395,40056.4%±0.8−0.6 ptsall: 57.0%
2005age 2018,80998,60055.8%±0.8−1.8 ptsall: 57.6%
2004age 2115,044102,90055.7%±0.8−2.1 ptsall: 57.8%
2003age 2210,425105,50055.8%±1.0−2.9 ptsall: 58.7%
2002age 236,515105,80053.3%±1.3−6.2 ptsall: 59.5%
2001age 241,492104,60051.1%±2.6−10.0 ptsall: 61.1%

Tests are initial MOT tests in 2025, not retests. Median miles is the middle odometer reading at the test: half had more, half had less. ± is the 95% margin of error in points (Wilson interval): a difference smaller than that could be chance. Years without a link have fewer than 10,000 tests, so they are listed here but don't have their own page.

When a car's mileage doesn't add up

Common Hatch problems at the MOT

Share of the 156,615 failed tests with a fault in each area, all years together. A test can count in more than one area, so these add up to more than 100%.

MOT records show roadworthiness faults, not engine or gearbox problems. Each year page compares that year's failure areas with all vehicles first used in the same year.

What to check when viewing a Hatch

Based on the areas where MINI Hatch MOT tests fail most often. These are general checks anyone can do, not a mechanical inspection.

  1. Lights and electrics

    In 40.2% of failed Hatch tests

    • Ask the seller to help you check every light: dipped and main beam, brake lights, indicators, fog lights and the number plate lamp.
    • Look for cracked, misted or yellowed headlight lenses.
    • Warning lights on the dashboard should come on with the ignition and go out once the engine starts.

  2. Tyres

    In 25.7% of failed Hatch tests

    • Check the tread on every tyre. The legal minimum for cars is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread.
    • Look for cuts, bulges, and wear on only the inner or outer edge, which can point to an alignment problem.
    • Check that the spare wheel or the tyre repair kit is there.

  3. Brakes

    In 19.6% of failed Hatch tests

    • On a clear road, brake firmly. The car should stop in a straight line without juddering or pulling to one side.
    • Check the handbrake holds the car on a slope.
    • Look through the wheels at the brake discs for deep grooves or a raised lip at the edge.

  4. Windscreen, wipers, mirrors

    In 18.5% of failed Hatch tests

    • Look for chips and cracks in the windscreen, especially in front of the driver.
    • Run the wipers and washers. The blades should clear the screen without smearing.
    • Check both door mirrors and the rear-view mirror are intact and adjust.

Then read the car's own MOT history. Advisories in the same area at several tests are worth asking about.

Check a Hatch's MOT history

MINI Hatch questions

Which MINI Hatch years have lower MOT pass rates?

Compared with all vehicles first used in the same year, these model years have below-average MOT pass rates: 2001–2005. Above average: 2008–2023. The rest can't be told apart from average. A pass rate is one signal: it also reflects mileage and upkeep, and doesn't record engine or gearbox faults.

Is the MINI Hatch reliable?

MOT results show only part of the picture. In 2025, 76.3% of initial MOT tests on MINI Hatch cars were passed with no repairs, against a same-age average of 71.6%. That is 4.7 points above average. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't measure breakdowns, engine or gearbox faults, or repair costs.

What are the most common MINI Hatch problems at the MOT?

The most common failure areas are lights and electrics (in 40.2% of failed tests), tyres (in 25.7% of failed tests) and brakes (in 19.6% of failed tests). A failed test can count in more than one area.

What mileage is normal for a 10-year-old MINI Hatch?

At their 2025 MOT tests, MINI Hatch cars first used in 2015, about 10 years old, had a median of 62,500 miles. Half had more and half had less.

How do I check a specific Hatch's MOT history?

Enter its registration in our free check. It lists that car's own MOT results, the faults and advisories recorded and the mileage at each test, and flags repeated advisories and mileage that goes down.

Check a car's MOT history for free

What MOT data can't tell you about any MINI Hatch

Outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and plate changes aren't in MOT records. For a particular car, you need a history check.

Compare history checksWhat MOT history doesn't show

Other MINI models

Points above (+) or below (−) the same-age average for all vehicles.

Cars ranked by MOT pass rate, by age

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests, 2025. For guidance only: these figures describe all MINI Hatch cars tested, not the one you're looking at. How we count