BMW X5 MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 90,495 MOT tests on the BMW X5 carried out in 2023. 22% failed at the first attempt, which is noticeably below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 8 in 10 X5s passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2001 to 2021. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2010 models did best (75% passed, +14.9 points against the average for 13-year-old cars), while 2001 models fared worst (57%, −1.3 points). Tested cars had covered 90,850 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was tyres, found on 7.4% of tests (roughly in line with the 6.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 3.9% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 90,495
- First-time pass rate
- 78%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +6.5 points
- Average mileage at test
- 90,850
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular X5?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
X5 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 | 423 | 94% | 91% | +2.8 points | 28,116 |
| 2020 | 5,127 | 86% | 88% | −1.2 points | 31,498 |
| 2019 | 8,780 | 87% | 86% | +0.8 points | 37,447 |
| 2018 | 7,113 | 86% | 84% | +2.1 points | 48,984 |
| 2017 | 6,142 | 87% | 82% | +5.4 points | 58,879 |
| 2016 | 6,474 | 88% | 79% | +9.2 points | 67,887 |
| 2015 | 6,933 | 86% | 75% | +11.0 points | 77,258 |
| 2014 | 5,356 | 85% | 72% | +13.8 points | 87,625 |
| 2013 | 3,453 | 79% | 68% | +10.4 points | 95,198 |
| 2012 | 4,073 | 77% | 66% | +11.5 points | 102,844 |
| 2011 | 4,096 | 76% | 63% | +13.2 points | 109,043 |
| 2010 | 3,831 | 75% | 60% | +14.9 points | 116,413 |
| 2009 | 4,148 | 72% | 59% | +12.6 points | 122,917 |
| 2008 | 3,492 | 71% | 57% | +14.1 points | 129,962 |
| 2007 | 3,770 | 68% | 57% | +11.3 points | 135,122 |
| 2006 | 3,586 | 61% | 56% | +4.7 points | 144,320 |
| 2005 | 5,792 | 60% | 56% | +4.1 points | 144,302 |
| 2004 | 3,352 | 60% | 56% | +4.3 points | 144,264 |
| 2003 | 2,439 | 59% | 57% | +2.3 points | 142,027 |
| 2002 | 1,402 | 62% | 58% | +4.3 points | 143,797 |
| 2001 | 678 | 57% | 59% | −1.3 points | 142,364 |
Why the BMW X5 fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | X5 | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 7.4% | 6.3% |
| Lights and electrics | 7.1% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 6.2% | 8.9% |
| Brakes | 5.2% | 6.8% |
| Visibility | 3.4% | 4.8% |
| Body and structure | 3.0% | 3.5% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.4% | 3.1% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 1.2% | 1.0% |
| Road Wheels | 0.8% | 0.4% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.7% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working3.9%
- 2has ply or cords exposed2.9%
- 3ball joint excessively worn2.6%
- 4has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.3%
- 5efficiency below requirements1.8%
- 6tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.7%
- 7constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.7%
- 8provides insufficient washer liquid1.5%
- 9pin or bush excessively worn1.4%
- 10ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.3%
Common X5 MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used X5, 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 | 17.7% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 6.1% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 6.0% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 5.7% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 5.7% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 4.3% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 4.1% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 3.1% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 2.8% |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | Non-component advisories | 2.5% |
Tips to help your X5 pass
Based on where X5s most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 7.1% of X5 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 · 5.2% of X5 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 X5 ULEZ compliant? See the BMW X5 ULEZ check, or view all BMW models.
Other BMW models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 90,495 first MOT tests of the BMW X5 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 90,495 first MOT tests of the BMW X5.
What is the BMW X5 MOT failure rate?
In our data, 22% of 90,495 first MOT attempts on the BMW X5 ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a BMW X5 fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were tyres (7.4% of tests), lights and electrics (7.1% of tests), suspension (6.2% of tests).
Which X5 year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2010 cars performed best: 75% passed first time, +14.9 points against the average for 13-year-old cars. The weakest was 2001, at 57% (−1.3 points).
How many miles had a typical BMW X5 covered at its MOT?
The average was 90,850 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2021 cars averaged 28,116 miles and 2001 cars 142,364.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the BMW X5?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 17.7% of tests, in the tyres area. 7.4% of X5s failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific X5's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 90,495 X5s in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 57% to 94% 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 readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
Check any X5's MOT history
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