Mini COOPER S - 2012
163.8 faults per 100 tests
Year average for all cars of 2012 is 249.2 faults per 100 tests
Dataset: MOT tests in Great Britain (period: 2024-01-01 to 2025-09-10) for Mini COOPER S, model year 2012.
Sample size: 1,310 cars, 3,013 tests and 4,935 recorded faults.
0%
Less faults compared to the average car of same model year
Less faults compared to the average car of same model year
Quick summary
Total: 1,310 cars
The 2012 MINI Cooper S has an overall MOT defect rate of 164 defects per 100 vehicles, which is significantly lower than the average for its year at 246 defects per 100 vehicles, representing a 34% improvement. Notably, the model performs exceptionally well in several key categories: it has a 31% lower defect rate for brakes, an impressive 92% lower defect rate for steering, and also shows fewer issues with lights and electrics, wheels, and body structure compared to the average. Defect rates increase with mileage, particularly in the highest mileage bracket (over 124,000 miles), where the Cooper S shows a notable increase in defects. Overall, this model stands out for its reliability in critical areas typically associated with higher defect rates.
Cars by mileage segment
Total: 1,310 cars
Categories
Brakes
▲ 29.6% better
73.1 faults / 100 tests
Year avg: 103.8 / 100 tests
- Brake disc or drum: insecure, fractured or otherwise likely to fail
- Brake disc or drum: significantly and obviously worn
Steering
▲ 91.7% better
1.1 faults / 100 tests
Year avg: 13.2 / 100 tests
Visibility
▲ 17.7% better
15.8 faults / 100 tests
Year avg: 19.2 / 100 tests
- Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured: but not adversely affecting driver’s view
Lights & Electrics
▲ 30.0% better
43.3 faults / 100 tests
Year avg: 61.9 / 100 tests
- A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative: when rear registration plate has 2 or more lamps or light sources
Wheels & Suspension
▲ 33.6% better
162.2 faults / 100 tests
Year avg: 244.4 / 100 tests
- Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements
- A tyre: with a lump, bulge or tear … or with cords exposed or damaged
- A suspension pin, bush, joint or bearing: excessively worn
- A wheel: badly distorted or wear between wheel and hub at spigot mounting
- A suspension component: excessively damaged or corroded
Body/Structure
▲ 82.8% better
4.5 faults / 100 tests
Year avg: 26.2 / 100 tests
Equipment
▲ 82.3% better
1.1 faults / 100 tests
Year avg: 6.2 / 100 tests
Other
▼ 12.3% worse
26.5 faults / 100 tests
Year avg: 23.6 / 100 tests
- Fluid: leaking excessively and likely to harm the environment or to pose a safety risk to other road users
Fault rate by mileage segment
Model
Year average
* Metric: faults per 100 tests.
Most common faults (Top 10)
Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements
ADVISORY
Occurrences: 672
Brake disc or drum: insecure, fractured or otherwise likely to fail
ADVISORY
Occurrences: 460
A tyre: with a lump, bulge or tear … or with cords exposed or damaged
ADVISORY
Occurrences: 344
A suspension pin, bush, joint or bearing: excessively worn
ADVISORY
Occurrences: 296
Fluid: leaking excessively and likely to harm the environment or to pose a safety risk to other road users
ADVISORY
Occurrences: 287
A wheel: badly distorted or wear between wheel and hub at spigot mounting
ADVISORY
Occurrences: 253
A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative: when rear registration plate has 2 or more lamps or light sources
MINOR
Occurrences: 161
A suspension component: excessively damaged or corroded
ADVISORY
Occurrences: 159
Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured: but not adversely affecting driver’s view
MINOR
Occurrences: 138
Brake disc or drum: significantly and obviously worn
ADVISORY
Occurrences: 137
Serious faults (Top 10)
Lamp: missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than a half not functioning
FAIL
Occurrences: 104
A tyre: with a lump, bulge or tear … or with cords exposed or damaged
FAIL
Occurrences: 65
Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements
FAIL
Occurrences: 55
A shock absorber damaged … or showing signs of severe leakage
FAIL
Occurrences: 54
A suspension pin, bush, joint or bearing: excessively worn
FAIL
Occurrences: 50
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements
FAIL
Occurrences: 29
Engine MIL inoperative or indicating a malfunction
FAIL
Occurrences: 26
Significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake
FAIL
Occurrences: 26
Wiper blade: missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen
FAIL
Occurrences: 21
A spring: or spring component fractured or seriously weakened
FAIL
Occurrences: 21