BMW X2 MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 16,039 MOT tests on the BMW X2 carried out in 2023. 16% failed at the first attempt, which is well below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 8 in 10 X2s passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2018 to 2021. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2018 models did best (84% passed, −0.4 points against the average for 5-year-old cars), while 2019 models fared worst (84%, −2.4 points). Tested cars had covered 32,362 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was tyres, found on 6.7% of tests (roughly in line with the 6.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "does not clear the windscreen effectively", on 3.8% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 16,039
- First-time pass rate
- 84%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +13.0 points
- Average mileage at test
- 32,362
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular X2?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
X2 MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 240 | 89% | 91% | −1.7 points | 20,757 |
| 2020 | 3,702 | 86% | 88% | −1.5 points | 23,802 |
| 2019 | 7,143 | 84% | 86% | −2.4 points | 33,090 |
| 2018 | 4,950 | 84% | 84% | −0.4 points | 38,263 |
Why the BMW X2 fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | X2 | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 6.7% | 6.3% |
| Visibility | 4.9% | 4.8% |
| Lights and electrics | 3.5% | 11.3% |
| Brakes | 1.2% | 6.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.0% | 3.1% |
| Suspension | 0.3% | 8.9% |
| Road Wheels | 0.2% | 0.4% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.2% | 0.4% |
| Body and structure | 0.2% | 3.5% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.1% | 1.0% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1does not clear the windscreen effectively3.8%
- 2has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.9%
- 3too high1.5%
- 4has ply or cords exposed1.4%
- 5not working1.3%
- 6has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.1%
- 7tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.1%
- 8inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.0%
- 9provides insufficient washer liquid0.8%
- 10less than 1.5 mm thick0.6%
Common X2 MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used X2, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 10.9% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 6.0% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 5.8% |
| has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords | Tyres | 2.5% |
| Nail in tyre | Non-component advisories | 2.4% |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | Non-component advisories | 2.4% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 2.1% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 2.1% |
| significantly and obviously worn | Brakes | 0.9% |
| has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 0.7% |
Tips to help your X2 pass
Based on where X2s most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Visibility · 4.9% of X2 tests
Clear the view
Replace wiper blades that smear, fill the washer bottle and get chips in the windscreen repaired early, especially in the area directly in front of the driver.
Lights and electrics · 3.5% of X2 tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Brakes · 1.2% of X2 tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Compare with other models
Is the X2 ULEZ compliant? See the BMW X2 ULEZ check, or view all BMW models.
Other BMW models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 16,039 first MOT tests of the BMW X2 carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 16,039 first MOT tests of the BMW X2.
What is the BMW X2 MOT failure rate?
In our data, 16% of 16,039 first MOT attempts on the BMW X2 ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a BMW X2 fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were tyres (6.7% of tests), visibility (4.9% of tests), lights and electrics (3.5% of tests).
Which X2 year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2018 cars performed best: 84% passed first time, −0.4 points against the average for 5-year-old cars. The weakest was 2019, at 84% (−2.4 points).
How many miles had a typical BMW X2 covered at its MOT?
The average was 32,362 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2021 cars averaged 20,757 miles and 2018 cars 38,263.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the BMW X2?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 10.9% of tests, in the tyres area. 6.7% of X2s failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific X2's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 16,039 X2s in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 84% to 89% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 4 min readTyre tread depth and the MOT: the legal limit and how to check6.3% of cars failed their 2023 MOT on tyres. The 1.6mm legal limit, what testers look for beyond tread, and a one-minute check with a 20p coin.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.Read the guide
Check any X2's MOT history
Every test, failure, advisory and recorded mileage for a specific car. Free, from official DVSA data.