2021 · 3 years old at test · Hybrid mostly

2021 BMW X5 MOT pass rate and common faults

6,847 MOT tests in 2024. 84.5% passed first time, compared with 87.6% for all cars the same age.

97Below average
Passed first time84.5%
Failed or needed repairs15.4%
Typical mileage at test32,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 6,847 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 cords6.0%
  2. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed4.3%
    512 marked dangerous
  3. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.1%
    98 marked dangerous
  4. Side repeaters: not working0.9%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm0.7%
    71 marked dangerous
  6. Headlamp aim: too high0.6%
  7. Registration plates: does not conform to the specified requirements0.4%
  8. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.4%
  9. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn0.4%
  10. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres12.9%
  2. Lights & electrics2.1%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.1%
  4. Number plates & VIN0.7%
  5. Suspension0.7%
  6. Emissions & leaks0.4%
  7. Seat belts & airbags0.3%
  8. Wheels0.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm11.0%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords3.5%
  3. Non-component advisories: Nail in tyre3.4%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure3.2%
  5. Non-component advisories: Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt2.1%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. 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.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2021 BMW X5?

In 2024, 84.5% of 2021 BMW X5 cars passed their MOT first time, across 6,847 tests. The average for all 3-year-old cars was 87.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2021 BMW X5?

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; tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2021 BMW X5 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 97, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).