2008 MINI Hatch MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 58.8% of MINI Hatch cars first used in 2008 passed their MOT first time, against 57.2% for all cars first used in 2008. Across 80,521 Hatch first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were lamps and electrical equipment, noise, emissions and leaks and suspension.
This page analyses first MOT tests for MINI Hatch cars first used in 2008 (all trims grouped): 2021 to 2025 for the pass-rate trend, and 2023 to 2025 for the failure and advisory analysis — plus what is worth checking before you buy one.
Data: DVSA anonymised MOT tests to December 2025 · Calculated by SortedCars · Updated October 2026
How the 2008 MINI Hatch MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, Hatch cars first used in 2008 against all cars first used in 2008 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the Hatch figure was 1.6 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2008 Hatch | All cars first used 2008 | Hatch first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 62.6% | 58.0% | 33,126 |
| 2022 | 61.7% | 57.9% | 32,068 |
| 2023 | 60.3% | 57.4% | 29,954 |
| 2024 | 58.8% | 56.9% | 26,999 |
| 2025 | 58.8% | 57.2% | 23,568 |
Common 2008 MINI Hatch MOT failures
Share of the 32,731 failed first tests (2023–2025) with at least one failure in each area. A test can fail in more than one area, so the shares add up to more than 100%.
Most common failure items
| DVSA failure item | Share of failed first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Position lamp: not working | 21.1% | 6,917 |
| Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits | 13.3% | 4,349 |
| Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits | 12.5% | 4,098 |
| Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction | 9.8% | 3,202 |
| Catalyst emissions: hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits | 9.2% | 3,014 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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What to check on a 2008 MINI Hatch before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- Lamps and electrics. Ask someone to watch while you work the brake lights, indicators, sidelights, dipped and main beam, and the number-plate lamps.
- Engine and emissions. Worth checking that the engine warning light goes out after starting, looking for oil leaks under the car, and noticing any smoke from the exhaust.
- Suspension. Worth looking behind the front wheels with a torch at the coil springs, and listening for knocks over bumps on the test drive.
Common 2008 MINI Hatch MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2008 Hatch cars, as a share of all 80,521 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 22.0% | 17,721 |
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 16.7% | 13,487 |
| Sub-frame: corroded but not seriously weakened | 13.9% | 11,156 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 13.3% | 10,682 |
| Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing | 8.6% | 6,885 |
Questions about the 2008 MINI Hatch MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2008 MINI Hatch?
In 2025, 58.8% of Hatch cars first used in 2008 passed their MOT first time, against 57.2% for all cars first used in 2008. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2008 Hatch most often fail its MOT on?
Lamps and electrical equipment (in 45.0% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), noise, emissions and leaks (38.2%) and suspension (21.8%). The single most common item was “Position lamp: not working” (21.1%).
How often does a 2008 MINI Hatch fail its MOT?
In 2025, 41.2% of first tests on Hatch cars first used in 2008 did not pass first time: 34.5% failed, and a further 6.8% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 32,731 of 80,521 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2008 MINI Hatch MOT advisories?
“Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (on 22.0% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (16.7%), “Sub-frame: corroded but not seriously weakened” (13.9%), “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (13.3%) and “Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” (8.6%).
Is a 2008 MINI Hatch reliable?
An MOT pass rate shows what failed at the test, not how reliable a car is. For this group of cars the first-time pass rate went from 62.6% in 2021 to 58.8% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2008
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2008 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2008 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2008 Vauxhall Corsa MOT statistics · 2008 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2008 Vauxhall Astra MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2008 Hatch?
The numbers above cover every Hatch first used in 2008 and tested in Great Britain. Our free check shows the actual MOT history, mileage record and tax status of the one you are looking at.
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