BMW X5 years to avoid? MOT pass rate by year

91,387 initial MOT tests in 2025 on cars first used 2003–2022 · DVSA data · For guidance only · How we count

BMW X5 years with MOT pass rates below the average for vehicles first used in the same year: 2021–2022. Above it: 2003–2020.

Below the average for their first-use year2021–2022
Above the average for their first-use year2003–2020
Can't be told apart from averageNone

The MOT pass rate is one signal, not the whole story. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't record gearbox or engine faults, and a pass rate also reflects mileage and upkeep, so the table shows median mileage too. Whatever the year, the car in front of you matters more than its model's average.

80.5%passed first time

First-time pass rate, all years together: initial tests passed with no repairs. 95% range 80.3% to 80.8%.

BMW X5, all years80.5%
Same-age average, all vehicles72.9%

In 2025, 80.5% of the 91,387 initial MOT tests on BMW X5 cars were passed with no repairs. The same-age average, for all vehicles first used in the same years, was 72.9%. That is 7.7 points above the same-age average.

In our tables of the highest MOT pass rates by age: joint 1st of 167 cars first used in 2015; joint 1st of 116 cars first used in 2010.

Check a specific X5

Its own MOT history, free.

BMW X5 MOT pass rate by year

Year is when the car was first used. Older vehicles fail more often, so each year is compared with all vehicles first used that year.

Year	Testsmedian miles	Passed first time	Against all vehicles that year
2022age 3	7,80430,600	85.0%±0.9	−3.5 ptsall: 88.5%
2021age 4	6,32840,200	86.0%±0.9	−1.2 ptsall: 87.2%
2020age 5	4,86645,300	88.2%±1.0	+2.2 ptsall: 86.0%
2019age 6	8,39553,000	87.2%±0.8	+3.7 ptsall: 83.5%
2018age 7	6,87063,700	85.5%±0.9	+4.6 ptsall: 80.9%
2017age 8	5,96972,900	86.6%±0.9	+8.4 ptsall: 78.2%
2016age 9	6,25280,600	86.9%±0.9	+12.0 ptsall: 74.9%
2015age 10	6,72990,200	84.7%±0.9	+12.8 ptsall: 71.9%
2014age 11	5,15299,400	84.5%±1.1	+15.9 ptsall: 68.6%
2013age 12	3,239106,600	78.2%±1.5	+12.4 ptsall: 65.8%
2012age 13	3,726114,300	76.5%±1.4	+13.0 ptsall: 63.5%
2011age 14	3,541118,900	76.6%±1.5	+15.4 ptsall: 61.2%
2010age 15	3,296126,300	75.8%±1.5	+16.5 ptsall: 59.3%
2009age 16	3,514132,500	71.5%±1.6	+13.2 ptsall: 58.3%
2008age 17	2,831137,500	72.0%±1.7	+14.8 ptsall: 57.2%
2007age 18	2,759144,300	69.2%±1.8	+11.8 ptsall: 57.4%
2006age 19	2,446148,500	62.0%±2.0	+5.0 ptsall: 57.0%
2005age 20	4,042149,100	62.8%±1.6	+5.2 ptsall: 57.6%
2004age 21	2,207146,600	63.3%±2.1	+5.5 ptsall: 57.8%
2003age 22	1,421143,400	62.8%±2.6	+4.1 ptsall: 58.7%

Tests are initial MOT tests in 2025, not retests. Median miles is the middle odometer reading at the test: half had more, half had less. ± is the 95% margin of error in points (Wilson interval): a difference smaller than that could be chance. Years without a link have fewer than 10,000 tests, so they are listed here but don't have their own page.

When a car's mileage doesn't add up

Common X5 problems at the MOT

Share of the 17,778 failed tests with a fault in each area, all years together. A test can count in more than one area, so these add up to more than 100%.

Tyres37.0%
Lights and electrics28.6%
Suspension25.4%
Brakes18.2%
Windscreen, wipers, mirrors13.7%

MOT records show roadworthiness faults, not engine or gearbox problems. Each year page compares that year's failure areas with all vehicles first used in the same year.

What to check when viewing a X5

Based on the areas where BMW X5 MOT tests fail most often. These are general checks anyone can do, not a mechanical inspection.

Tyres
In 37.0% of failed X5 tests
- Check the tread on every tyre. The legal minimum for cars is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread.
- Look for cuts, bulges, and wear on only the inner or outer edge, which can point to an alignment problem.
- Check that the spare wheel or the tyre repair kit is there.
Lights and electrics
In 28.6% of failed X5 tests
- Ask the seller to help you check every light: dipped and main beam, brake lights, indicators, fog lights and the number plate lamp.
- Look for cracked, misted or yellowed headlight lenses.
- Warning lights on the dashboard should come on with the ignition and go out once the engine starts.
Suspension
In 25.4% of failed X5 tests
- Push down hard on each corner. The car should rise once and settle, not keep bouncing.
- On the test drive, listen for knocks or clunks over speed bumps and potholes.
- The car should sit level when parked on flat ground.
Brakes
In 18.2% of failed X5 tests
- On a clear road, brake firmly. The car should stop in a straight line without juddering or pulling to one side.
- Check the handbrake holds the car on a slope.
- Look through the wheels at the brake discs for deep grooves or a raised lip at the edge.

Then read the car's own MOT history. Advisories in the same area at several tests are worth asking about.

Check a X5's MOT history

BMW X5 questions

Which BMW X5 years have lower MOT pass rates?

Compared with all vehicles first used in the same year, these model years have below-average MOT pass rates: 2021–2022. Above average: 2003–2020. A pass rate is one signal: it also reflects mileage and upkeep, and doesn't record engine or gearbox faults.

Is the BMW X5 reliable?

MOT results show only part of the picture. In 2025, 80.5% of initial MOT tests on BMW X5 cars were passed with no repairs, against a same-age average of 72.9%. That is 7.7 points above average. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't measure breakdowns, engine or gearbox faults, or repair costs.

What are the most common BMW X5 problems at the MOT?

The most common failure areas are tyres (in 37.0% of failed tests), lights and electrics (in 28.6% of failed tests) and suspension (in 25.4% of failed tests). A failed test can count in more than one area.

What mileage is normal for a 10-year-old BMW X5?

At their 2025 MOT tests, BMW X5 cars first used in 2015, about 10 years old, had a median of 90,200 miles. Half had more and half had less.

How do I check a specific X5's MOT history?

Enter its registration in our free check. It lists that car's own MOT results, the faults and advisories recorded and the mileage at each test, and flags repeated advisories and mileage that goes down.

Check a car's MOT history for free

What MOT data can't tell you about any BMW X5

Outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and plate changes aren't in MOT records. For a particular car, you need a history check.

Compare history checks What MOT history doesn't show

Other BMW models

Points above (+) or below (−) the same-age average for all vehicles.

All 22 BMW models Cars ranked by MOT pass rate, by age

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests, 2025. For guidance only: these figures describe all BMW X5 cars tested, not the one you're looking at. How we count