Mini Cooper (2021)
2021 Mini Cooper
CarHunch analysed 16,925 real MOT records for the 2021 Mini Cooper. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2021 MINI COOPER is a genuinely reliable performer, with a 93.1% first-time pass rate that sits well above the 80% UK average. Only 7.3% have ever suffered a dangerous defect, which is reassuringly low and suggests this generation has no systemic safety issues.
At 23,001 miles average for a three-year-old car, mileage is spot-on for age, and the low failure rate of 0.23 per vehicle means most don't need major repairs. If you're buying one, check the service history carefully since advisories average 1.2 per test—mainly wear items—but the strong pass rate means mechanical surprises should be rare.
What to check before buying a 2021 Mini Cooper
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Mini Cooper
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (100%) | 16,918 | 93.1% | 0.23 |
| Diesel (0%) | 4 | 100% | 0 |
| Electric (0%) | 3 | 83.3% | 0.33 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2021 Mini Cooper vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2021 Mini Cooper vehicles fall between 14,781 and 29,323 miles.
2021 Mini Cooper — Still on the Road
Strong survival — 16,549 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 100% of the peak.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2023–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2021 Mini Cooper
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
-
21.7%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
-
20.2%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
-
17.5%
Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
-
17.1%
Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
-
7.9%
Offside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
-
6.9%
Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin
-
6.9%
Nearside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
-
5.9%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2021. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Mini Cooper?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.