2013 MINI Mini (R58) — MOT failures & pass rate
319 MOT tests on the 2013 MINI Mini (R58) are in this dataset, and 84.3% of them passed. All cars of a similar age fail 20.0% of the time, so this is 4.3pp better than the group it competes with. Failures cluster in lighting & signalling, tyres and suspension.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — lighting & signalling (7.2%) and tyres (6.0%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are headlamp aim, shock absorbers and washers — headlamp aim alone was recorded 11 times.
Condition tracks the odometer closely. Failures run at 10.0% in the 30-60k band and 29.4% in the 90-120k band, a 19.4-point spread — more than double.
Tyres is the most common advisory, noted on 25.1% of tests — work that passed today but is likely due soon.
The trend is worsening — 14.9% of tests failed in 2021 against 18.3% in 2025, the usual pattern as a fleet ages.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lighting & signalling | 7.2% | 23 |
| 2 | Tyres | 6.0% | 19 |
| 3 | Suspension | 3.5% | 11 |
| 4 | Visibility | 2.5% | 8 |
| 5 | Brakes | 2.2% | 7 |
| 6 | Emissions & environmental | 1.3% | 4 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Headlamp aim | 11 |
| 2 | Shock absorbers | 8 |
| 3 | Washers | 6 |
| 4 | Tread depth | 6 |
| 5 | Registration plate lamp(s) | 5 |
| 6 | Brake discs | 4 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyres | 25.1% | 80 |
| 2 | Brakes | 11.9% | 38 |
| 3 | Suspension | 9.7% | 31 |
| 4 | Lighting & signalling | 7.2% | 23 |
| 5 | Other defects | 5.0% | 16 |
| 6 | Visibility | 3.8% | 12 |
Failure rate by mileage
Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.
| Mileage band | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 30-60k | 160 | 10.0% |
| 60-90k | 108 | 18.5% |
| 90-120k | 34 | 29.4% |
Failure rate by age
By fuel type
| Fuel | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 265 | 15.8% |
| Diesel | 54 | 14.8% |
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 67 | 14.9% |
| 2022 | 69 | 15.9% |
| 2023 | 62 | 14.5% |
| 2024 | 61 | 14.8% |
| 2025 | 60 | 18.3% |
What to check before buying a 2013 Mini (R58)
The failure pattern for this year is specific enough to inspect against: lighting & signalling accounted for 7.2% of tests. Start there.
- Lighting & signalling (7.2% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Tyres (6.0% of tests): Usually a quick, known-cost fix, but check tread, age and uneven wear (which can hint at alignment or suspension issues). Typical repair: £50–£120 per tyre.
- Suspension (3.5% of tests): Worn drop links, bushes, springs or shocks — listen for knocks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear. Typical repair: £150–£450 per corner.
Repair costs are rough UK ballpark ranges to set expectations, not quotes — actual prices vary widely by car, parts and garage.
Frequently asked questions
How many 2013 MINI Mini (R58)s pass their MOT?
84.3% of the 319 2013 MINI Mini (R58) MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 15.7% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2013 MINI Mini (R58)?
Lighting & signalling, recorded in 7.2% of tests, followed by tyres (6.0%).
Does the 2013 Mini (R58) get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 10.0% in the 30-60k band to 29.4% in the 90-120k band.
Methodology & source. Based on 319 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-27. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.