2012 MINI Clubman diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel MINI Clubman first registered in 2012 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 161 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 161 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2012 MINI Clubman diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2012 MINI Clubman diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes34% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Tyres32% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Lights and electrics26% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension21% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors6% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Oil and fluid leaks3% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 MINI Clubman diesel
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a MINI Clubman?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the MINI Clubman compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2022 | 248 | Tyres 26% |
| 2021 | 356 | Tyres 28% |
| 2020 | 125 | Tyres 33% |
| 2019 | 937 | Tyres 31% |
| 2018 | 18,537 | Tyres 32% |
| 2017 | 24,214 | Tyres 31% |
| 2016 | 26,712 | Tyres 31% |
| 2015 | 4,272 | Tyres 31% |
| 2014 | – | Too few tests |
| 2013 | 161 | Tyres 28% |
| 2011 | 365 | Lights and electrics 30% |
| 2010 | 281 | Lights and electrics 41% |
| 2009 | 267 | Suspension 37% |
| 2008 | 284 | Suspension 39% |
| 2007 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of MINI Clubman cars first registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score