2013 BMW X5 — MOT failures & pass rate
19,944 MOT tests on the 2013 BMW X5 are in this dataset, and 84.4% of them passed. Large SUVs of a similar age fail at 16.4%, so the 2013 X5 sits squarely on the average. Failures cluster in tyres, lighting & signalling and suspension.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — tyres (6.5%) and lighting & signalling (6.3%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are side repeaters, tread depth and washers — side repeaters alone was recorded 817 times.
Mileage matters less than usual here: the 2013 X5 fails 12.9% of the time in the 0-30k band and 16.6% at 150k+, a spread of only 3.7 points.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: tyres was flagged on 24.6% of tests without failing them.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyres | 6.5% | 1,290 |
| 2 | Lighting & signalling | 6.3% | 1,265 |
| 3 | Suspension | 3.2% | 645 |
| 4 | Brakes | 2.5% | 506 |
| 5 | Visibility | 2.2% | 435 |
| 6 | Emissions & environmental | 1.4% | 277 |
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 | 817 |
| 2 | Tread depth | 437 |
| 3 | Washers | 310 |
| 4 | Headlamp aim | 269 |
| 5 | Malfunction indicator lamp | 235 |
| 6 | Coil spring | 234 |
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 | 24.6% | 4,899 |
| 2 | Brakes | 13.6% | 2,715 |
| 3 | Suspension | 10.6% | 2,120 |
| 4 | Other defects | 8.0% | 1,604 |
| 5 | Emissions & environmental | 5.0% | 989 |
| 6 | Visibility | 4.2% | 840 |
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 | 202 | 12.9% |
| 30-60k | 2,398 | 13.4% |
| 60-90k | 6,902 | 14.8% |
| 90-120k | 6,472 | 16.3% |
| 120-150k | 2,804 | 17.8% |
| 150k+ | 1,162 | 16.6% |
Failure rate by age
By fuel type
| Fuel | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| Diesel | 19,784 | 15.7% |
| Petrol | 160 | 10.6% |
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 4,112 | 14.9% |
| 2022 | 4,118 | 15.7% |
| 2023 | 4,035 | 15.8% |
| 2024 | 3,889 | 15.5% |
| 2025 | 3,790 | 16.4% |
What to check before buying a 2013 X5
On a 2013 X5, tyres is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 6.5% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Tyres (6.5% 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.
- Lighting & signalling (6.3% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Suspension (3.2% 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 X5s pass their MOT?
84.4% of the 19,944 2013 BMW X5 MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 15.6% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2013 BMW X5?
Tyres, recorded in 6.5% of tests, followed by lighting & signalling (6.3%).
Does the 2013 X5 get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 12.9% in the 0-30k band to 16.6% in the 150k+ band.
Methodology & source. Based on 19,944 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.