2021 BMW iX3 — MOT failures & pass rate
6,423 MOT tests on the 2021 BMW iX3 are in this dataset, and 89.8% of them passed. Mid-size SUVs of a similar age fail 8.2% of the time, so this is 2.0pp worse than the group it competes with. Failures cluster in tyres, visibility and lighting & signalling.
What the MOT record shows
Tyres dominates the failure mix at 6.9% of all tests — 3.8 points clear of visibility, so it is the first thing to check.
At component level the recurring items are wipers, tread depth and washers — wipers alone was recorded 150 times.
Mileage is the strongest signal on the record: 8.8% of 0-30k cars fail, rising to 18.5% once past 90-120k — 2.1× the risk.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: tyres was flagged on 22.5% of tests without failing them.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyres | 6.9% | 443 |
| 2 | Visibility | 3.1% | 201 |
| 3 | Lighting & signalling | 1.7% | 107 |
| 4 | Suspension | 0.5% | 31 |
| 5 | Other defects | 0.3% | 19 |
| 6 | Road wheels | 0.2% | 13 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wipers | 150 |
| 2 | Tread depth | 122 |
| 3 | Washers | 80 |
| 4 | Headlamp aim | 78 |
| 5 | Side repeaters | 45 |
| 6 | Registration plates | 26 |
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 | 22.5% | 1,444 |
| 2 | Other defects | 6.8% | 439 |
| 3 | Visibility | 3.2% | 205 |
| 4 | Suspension | 2.1% | 134 |
| 5 | Lighting & signalling | 0.6% | 41 |
| 6 | Brakes | 0.6% | 36 |
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 | 2,644 | 8.8% |
| 30-60k | 3,193 | 10.4% |
| 60-90k | 529 | 14.6% |
| 90-120k | 54 | 18.5% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 3,162 | 10.5% |
| 2025 | 3,246 | 9.9% |
What to check before buying a 2021 iX3
On a 2021 iX3, tyres is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 6.9% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Tyres (6.9% 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.
- Visibility (3.1% of tests): Wipers, washers, mirrors and screen damage — usually inexpensive, but check for chips in the driver's line of sight. Typical repair: £15–£150.
- Lighting & signalling (1.7% 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 iX3s pass their MOT?
89.8% of the 6,423 2021 BMW iX3 MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 10.2% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2021 BMW iX3?
Tyres, recorded in 6.9% of tests, followed by visibility (3.1%).
Does the 2021 iX3 get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 8.8% in the 0-30k band to 18.5% in the 90-120k band.
Methodology & source. Based on 6,423 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-27. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.