2021 Bmw X5 M Competition Auto — MOT failures & pass rate
Across 574 MOT tests analysed for the 2021 Bmw X5 M Competition Auto, the most common recorded failure areas were tyres, other defects and lighting & signalling. Its pass rate of 92.3% was above the average for cars of a similar age (91.3%).
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyres | 4.9% | 28 |
| 2 | Other defects | 1.2% | 7 |
| 3 | Lighting & signalling | 0.9% | 5 |
| 4 | Visibility | 0.7% | 4 |
| 5 | Brakes | 0.5% | 3 |
| 6 | Seat belts & restraints | 0.5% | 3 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Registration plates | 12 |
| 2 | Tread depth | 6 |
| 3 | Washers | 3 |
| 4 | Electronic stability control | 3 |
| 5 | Attachment | 2 |
| 6 | Wipers | 2 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyres | 9.9% | 57 |
| 2 | Other defects | 5.2% | 30 |
| 3 | Visibility | 2.3% | 13 |
| 4 | Brakes | 1.4% | 8 |
| 5 | Road wheels | 0.5% | 3 |
| 6 | Suspension | 0.4% | 2 |
Failure rate by mileage
Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.
| Mileage band | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 0-30k | 319 | 6.9% |
| 30-60k | 238 | 7.6% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 283 | 7.8% |
| 2025 | 265 | 7.9% |
What to check before buying a 2021 X5 M Competition Auto
Before buying a 2021 Bmw X5 M Competition Auto, focus on the areas it most often fails on. Tyres accounted for 4.9% of tests for this year.
- Tyres (4.9% of tests): Usually a quick, known-cost fix, but check tread, age and uneven wear (which can hint at alignment or suspension issues). Typical repair: £50–£120 per tyre.
- Other defects (1.2% of tests): Miscellaneous items not in the main categories. Typical repair: varies.
- Lighting & signalling (0.9% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
Repair costs are rough UK ballpark ranges to set expectations, not quotes — actual prices vary widely by car, parts and garage.
Frequently asked questions
How many 2021 Bmw X5 M Competition Autos pass their MOT?
92.3% of the 574 2021 Bmw X5 M Competition Auto MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 7.7% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2021 Bmw X5 M Competition Auto?
Tyres, recorded in 4.9% of tests, followed by other defects (1.2%).
Does the 2021 X5 M Competition Auto get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 6.9% in the 0-30k band to 7.6% in the 30-60k band.
Methodology & source. Based on 574 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-01. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.