2016 BMW X4 — MOT failures & pass rate
15,618 MOT tests on the 2016 BMW X4 are in this dataset, and 86.4% of them passed. Mid-size SUVs of a similar age fail at 13.7%, so the 2016 X4 sits squarely on the average. Failures cluster in tyres, suspension and lighting & signalling.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — tyres (5.3%) and suspension (4.5%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are coil spring, tread depth and brake pads — coil spring alone was recorded 540 times.
Condition tracks the odometer closely. Failures run at 9.8% in the 0-30k band and 14.1% in the 150k+ band, a 4.3-point spread.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: tyres was flagged on 22.0% of tests without failing them.
The trend is worsening — 11.4% of tests failed in 2021 against 14.7% in 2025, the usual pattern as a fleet ages.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyres | 5.3% | 831 |
| 2 | Suspension | 4.5% | 696 |
| 3 | Lighting & signalling | 2.9% | 461 |
| 4 | Visibility | 2.7% | 418 |
| 5 | Brakes | 2.5% | 382 |
| 6 | Road wheels | 0.6% | 88 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coil spring | 540 |
| 2 | Tread depth | 492 |
| 3 | Brake pads | 365 |
| 4 | Wipers | 268 |
| 5 | Headlamp aim | 225 |
| 6 | Washers | 197 |
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 | 22.0% | 3,440 |
| 2 | Brakes | 14.8% | 2,311 |
| 3 | Other defects | 13.0% | 2,022 |
| 4 | Suspension | 7.1% | 1,113 |
| 5 | Visibility | 3.2% | 501 |
| 6 | Emissions & environmental | 2.5% | 390 |
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 | 927 | 9.8% |
| 30-60k | 6,529 | 11.8% |
| 60-90k | 5,777 | 14.5% |
| 90-120k | 1,896 | 17.5% |
| 120-150k | 404 | 18.8% |
| 150k+ | 85 | 14.1% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 3,117 | 11.4% |
| 2022 | 3,126 | 13.7% |
| 2023 | 3,159 | 14.0% |
| 2024 | 3,094 | 14.1% |
| 2025 | 3,122 | 14.7% |
What to check before buying a 2016 X4
On a 2016 X4, tyres is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 5.3% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Tyres (5.3% 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 (4.5% 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.
- Lighting & signalling (2.9% 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 2016 BMW X4s pass their MOT?
86.4% of the 15,618 2016 BMW X4 MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 13.6% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2016 BMW X4?
Tyres, recorded in 5.3% of tests, followed by suspension (4.5%).
Does the 2016 X4 get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 9.8% in the 0-30k band to 14.1% in the 150k+ band.
Methodology & source. Based on 15,618 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.