2021 BMW X2 — MOT failures & pass rate
7,608 MOT tests on the 2021 BMW X2 are in this dataset, and 91.0% of them passed. Against small SUVs of a similar age (7.1% fail rate), the 2021 X2 comes out 1.9pp worse. Failures cluster in tyres, visibility and lighting & signalling.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — tyres (5.6%) and visibility (4.0%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are wipers, headlamp aim and tread depth — wipers alone was recorded 312 times.
Condition tracks the odometer closely. Failures run at 7.7% in the 0-30k band and 12.5% in the 90-120k band, a 4.8-point spread.
Fuel type barely separates them — petrol fails 8.8% of the time against 9.3% for hybrid.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: tyres was flagged on 19.7% of tests without failing them.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyres | 5.6% | 427 |
| 2 | Visibility | 4.0% | 303 |
| 3 | Lighting & signalling | 2.0% | 149 |
| 4 | Brakes | 0.7% | 52 |
| 5 | Suspension | 0.3% | 21 |
| 6 | Emissions & environmental | 0.2% | 15 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wipers | 312 |
| 2 | Headlamp aim | 163 |
| 3 | Tread depth | 92 |
| 4 | Washers | 63 |
| 5 | Brake pads | 47 |
| 6 | Side repeaters | 25 |
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 | 19.7% | 1,497 |
| 2 | Brakes | 5.2% | 397 |
| 3 | Other defects | 5.2% | 395 |
| 4 | Visibility | 2.5% | 194 |
| 5 | Suspension | 0.7% | 56 |
| 6 | Lighting & signalling | 0.2% | 16 |
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 | 4,210 | 7.7% |
| 30-60k | 2,972 | 10.4% |
| 60-90k | 350 | 12.6% |
| 90-120k | 72 | 12.5% |
Failure rate by age
By fuel type
| Fuel | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 3,886 | 8.8% |
| Hybrid | 2,290 | 9.3% |
| Diesel | 1,432 | 9.2% |
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 255 | 7.1% |
| 2024 | 3,715 | 9.7% |
| 2025 | 3,635 | 8.4% |
What to check before buying a 2021 X2
On a 2021 X2, tyres is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 5.6% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Tyres (5.6% 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 (4.0% 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 (2.0% 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 X2s pass their MOT?
91.0% of the 7,608 2021 BMW X2 MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 9.0% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2021 BMW X2?
Tyres, recorded in 5.6% of tests, followed by visibility (4.0%).
Does the 2021 X2 get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 7.7% in the 0-30k band to 12.5% in the 90-120k band.
Methodology & source. Based on 7,608 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.