2021 · 3 years old at test · Plug-in hybrid mostly

2021 BMW X3 MOT pass rate and common faults

10,843 MOT tests in 2024. 89.0% passed first time, compared with 87.6% for all cars the same age.

102About average
Passed first time89.0%
Failed or needed repairs11.0%
Typical mileage at test27,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 10,843 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords3.8%
  2. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.7%
    275 marked dangerous
  3. Side repeaters: not working0.8%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm0.8%
    153 marked dangerous
  5. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.7%
  6. Headlamp aim: too high0.7%
  7. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.7%
    89 marked dangerous
  8. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.5%
  9. Tyres - condition: has a lump, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.2%
    25 marked dangerous

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Tyres7.7%
  2. Lights & electrics2.0%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.0%
  4. Emissions & leaks0.8%
  5. Brakes0.4%
  6. Number plates & VIN0.2%
  7. Suspension0.2%
  8. Wheels0.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm12.4%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure3.1%
  3. Non-component advisories: Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt2.9%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.6%
  5. Non-component advisories: Nail in tyre2.5%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2020 X3All X3 years

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2021 BMW X3?

In 2024, 89.0% of 2021 BMW X3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 10,843 tests. The average for all 3-year-old cars was 87.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2021 BMW X3?

The most common failure reasons were tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords; tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed; side repeaters: not working. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2021 BMW X3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 102, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).