2013 BMW X3 — MOT failures & pass rate
43,398 MOT tests on the 2013 BMW X3 are in this dataset, and 82.3% of them passed. Against mid-size SUVs of a similar age (20.2% fail rate), the 2013 X3 comes out 2.5pp better. Failures cluster in lighting & signalling, tyres and suspension.
What the MOT record shows
Lighting & signalling dominates the failure mix at 11.7% of all tests — 6.6 points clear of tyres, so it is the first thing to check.
At component level the recurring items are side repeaters, headlamp aim and tread depth — side repeaters alone was recorded 2,761 times.
Condition tracks the odometer closely. Failures run at 9.4% in the 0-30k band and 21.6% in the 150k+ band, a 12.2-point spread — more than double.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: tyres was flagged on 23.5% of tests without failing them.
The trend is worsening — 16.4% of tests failed in 2021 against 18.8% in 2025, the usual pattern as a fleet ages.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lighting & signalling | 11.7% | 5,066 |
| 2 | Tyres | 5.1% | 2,218 |
| 3 | Suspension | 4.0% | 1,740 |
| 4 | Brakes | 3.3% | 1,409 |
| 5 | Visibility | 3.2% | 1,406 |
| 6 | Steering | 0.7% | 298 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Side repeaters | 2,761 |
| 2 | Headlamp aim | 2,427 |
| 3 | Tread depth | 1,296 |
| 4 | Coil spring | 1,124 |
| 5 | Brake pads | 1,034 |
| 6 | Wipers | 903 |
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 | 23.5% | 10,211 |
| 2 | Other defects | 21.5% | 9,344 |
| 3 | Brakes | 16.5% | 7,171 |
| 4 | Suspension | 10.8% | 4,667 |
| 5 | Visibility | 4.6% | 2,013 |
| 6 | Lighting & signalling | 3.3% | 1,413 |
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 | 625 | 9.4% |
| 30-60k | 6,382 | 14.1% |
| 60-90k | 15,564 | 17.2% |
| 90-120k | 12,992 | 18.9% |
| 120-150k | 5,582 | 19.7% |
| 150k+ | 2,251 | 21.6% |
Failure rate by age
By fuel type
| Fuel | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| Diesel | 43,314 | 17.7% |
| Petrol | 84 | 14.3% |
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 8,713 | 16.4% |
| 2022 | 8,678 | 17.0% |
| 2023 | 8,739 | 17.8% |
| 2024 | 8,652 | 18.5% |
| 2025 | 8,616 | 18.8% |
What to check before buying a 2013 X3
On a 2013 X3, lighting & signalling is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 11.7% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Lighting & signalling (11.7% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Tyres (5.1% 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.
- Suspension (4.0% of tests): Worn drop links, bushes, springs or shocks — listen for knocks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear. Typical repair: £150–£450 per corner.
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 2013 BMW X3s pass their MOT?
82.3% of the 43,398 2013 BMW X3 MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 17.7% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2013 BMW X3?
Lighting & signalling, recorded in 11.7% of tests, followed by tyres (5.1%).
Does the 2013 X3 get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 9.4% in the 0-30k band to 21.6% in the 150k+ band.
Methodology & source. Based on 43,398 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.