1991 Rover Mini (classic) MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 69.7% of Rover Mini (classic) cars first used in 1991 passed their MOT first time, against 71.5% for all cars first used in 1991. Across 2,821 Mini (classic) 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 Rover Mini (classic) cars first used in 1991 (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 1991 Rover Mini (classic) MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, Mini (classic) cars first used in 1991 against all cars first used in 1991 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the Mini (classic) figure was in line with the all-cars figure.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 1991 Mini (classic) | All cars first used 1991 | Mini (classic) first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 62.5% | 66.5% | 989 |
| 2022 | 65.0% | 67.9% | 1,014 |
| 2023 | 69.1% | 69.9% | 999 |
| 2024 | 72.7% | 70.6% | 904 |
| 2025 | 69.7% | 71.5% | 918 |
Common 1991 Rover Mini (classic) MOT failures
Share of the 834 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Non catalyst emissions: emissions carbon monoxide content excessive | 27.5% | 229 |
| Service brake imbalance: across an axle | 11.4% | 95 |
| Drive shaft joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt | 9.7% | 81 |
| Rear fog lamp: not working | 9.6% | 80 |
| Non catalyst emissions: emissions hydrocarbon content excessive | 8.4% | 70 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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What to check on a 1991 Rover Mini (classic) 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 1991 Rover Mini (classic) MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 1991 Mini (classic) cars, as a share of all 2,821 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 13.6% | 385 |
| Wheel bearings: has slight play | 6.9% | 196 |
| Ball joint: has slight play | 5.2% | 147 |
| Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing | 4.6% | 129 |
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 4.3% | 121 |
Questions about the 1991 Rover Mini (classic) MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 1991 Rover Mini (classic)?
In 2025, 69.7% of Mini (classic) cars first used in 1991 passed their MOT first time, against 71.5% for all cars first used in 1991. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 1991 Mini (classic) most often fail its MOT on?
Lamps and electrical equipment (in 51.8% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), noise, emissions and leaks (35.5%) and suspension (30.1%). The single most common item was “Non catalyst emissions: emissions carbon monoxide content excessive” (27.5%).
How often does a 1991 Rover Mini (classic) fail its MOT?
In 2025, 30.3% of first tests on Mini (classic) cars first used in 1991 did not pass first time: 26.1% failed, and a further 4.1% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 834 of 2,821 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 1991 Rover Mini (classic) MOT advisories?
“Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (on 13.6% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Wheel bearings: has slight play” (6.9%), “Ball joint: has slight play” (5.2%), “Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” (4.6%) and “Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (4.3%).
Is a 1991 Rover Mini (classic) 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 62.5% in 2021 to 69.7% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 1991
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
1991 Land Rover Defender MOT statistics · 1991 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 1991 Volkswagen Transporter MOT statistics · 1991 BMW 3 Series MOT statistics · 1991 Mazda MX-5 MOT statistics
Checking a specific 1991 Mini (classic)?
The numbers above cover every Mini (classic) first used in 1991 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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