Used car guide

2021 MINI Countryman diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the diesel MINI Countryman first registered in 2021 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 117 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 117 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

117MOTs of 2021 diesel cars, done in 2023–2025
85%pass first time (all 2021 cars: 87%)
8,600typical miles a year
31%had tyres flagged

Common 2021 MINI Countryman diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2021 MINI Countryman diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    31% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    8% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Brakes
    6% 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.

  • Seats and seatbelts
    3% of testsRough price £80–£250

    At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    1% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    1% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

Known faults on the 2021 MINI Countryman diesel

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2021 MINI Countryman diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

  1. Have all the recalls been done? Can a MINI dealer confirm from the VIN?
  2. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a MINI Countryman?

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 Countryman compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2026–Too new for MOT data
2025–Too new for MOT data
2024–Too new for MOT data
2023528Tyres 11%
20228,457Tyres 21%
202024,334Tyres 25%
201941,382Tyres 27%
201840,921Tyres 29%
201732,494Tyres 29%
201627,371Tyres 30%
201527,199Tyres 30%
201438,076Tyres 31%
20138,426Tyres 32%
20127,563Tyres 32%
20118,385Tyres 32%
20101,028Tyres 29%

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 Countryman cars first registered in 2021. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score