Does the Austin Mini fail the MOT on suspension more than it should?
The Austin Mini records 24.13 suspension failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 19.17 expected for a car of the same age mix: more than expected for its class and age (+4.96, 95% interval +4.31 to +5.61). It ranks 124 of 701 models on suspension (1 = most failures above expected).
Data release dvsa-2024-v2 (24 Sep 2026) · page updated 30 Sep 2026 · all models on suspension · check a Austin Mini by registration
What exactly fails on suspension?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the Austin Mini is “The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired”, recorded 1,583 times in 2019–2024.
| DVSA defect wording | Items | Per 100 tests |
|---|---|---|
| The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired | 1,583 | 7.29 |
| A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn | 1,196 | 5.50 |
| A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated | 453 | 2.08 |
| A wheel bearing with excessive play | 414 | 1.91 |
| A suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc | 385 | 1.77 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 21,727 (initial tests) · Method: failure items (major and minor) grouped by DVSA's defect tree; wordings with 30+ items · Updated: 30 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
If a Austin Mini gets a suspension advisory, how often does it fail next time?
17.7% of Austin Mini MOTs with a suspension advisory were followed by a fail in the same group at the next MOT, typically 12.3 months and 337 miles later (3,174 advisories followed).
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 3,174 (advisories followed) · Method: the same vehicles followed to their next ordinary MOT · Updated: 30 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
Other pages for this model
Austin Mini by postcode area · Austin Mini body, chassis and structure failures · Austin Mini brakes failures · Austin Mini vehicle identification failures · Austin Mini lamps, reflectors and electrics failures · Austin Mini noise, emissions and leaks failures · Austin Mini road wheels failures · Austin Mini seat belts and airbags failures · Austin Mini steering failures · Austin Mini tyres failures · Austin Mini visibility failures