At a Glance
Bmw has 99 identified common problems across 27 models, with the X5 being the most affected model and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 24.9M MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read how we identify common car problems →
Below: per-model breakdowns of Bmw common problems, MOT failure rates by category, pass-rate data, and repair patterns drawn from 24.9M DVSA MOT tests across 20 years. Click any model to see generation-specific issues, mileage-banded fault patterns, and the most common MOT failures recorded by UK testers.
MOT Tests & Failures by Model
Top Bmw models by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that model's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Bmw Common Problems by Model
Select a model to see problems by generation
Showing top 9 by MOT test volume — search to find any of 27 Bmw models.
3 Series
Most common: Brakes
1 Series
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
5 Series
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
X5
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
X3
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
X1
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
4 Series
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
2 Series
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
Z4
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
Most Common Bmw MOT Failures
Every reason Bmw vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 10.79% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 9.72% |
| 3 | Tyre condition | 9.23% |
| 4 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 5.41% |
| 5 | Windscreen washer not working | 4.52% |
| 6 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.19% |
| 7 | Brake pads or linings worn | 4.01% |
| 8 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 3.87% |
| 9 | Number plate lamp not working | 3.23% |
| 10 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 3.15% |
| 11 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 2.84% |
| 12 | Stop lamp not working | 2.78% |
| 13 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.05% |
| 14 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 2.03% |
| 15 | Exhaust system fault | 2.02% |
| 16 | Front lamp not working | 1.95% |
| 17 | Position lamp not working | 1.85% |
| 18 | Indicator fault | 1.50% |
| 19 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.46% |
| 20 | Headlamp fault | 1.39% |
| 21 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.35% |
| 22 | Airbag warning light on | 1.33% |
| 23 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.20% |
| 24 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.18% |
| 25 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.14% |
| 26 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.10% |
| 27 | Track rod end worn | 1.03% |
| 28 | ABS fault | 1.00% |
| 29 | Rear lamp not working | 0.94% |
| 30 | Driveshaft fault | 0.79% |
| 31 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.74% |
| 32 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.70% |
| 33 | Parking brake condition | 0.66% |
| 34 | Fog lamp not working | 0.51% |
| 35 | Seat belt condition | 0.51% |
| 36 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.49% |
| 37 | Steering rack fault | 0.38% |
| 38 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.35% |
| 39 | Horn not working | 0.34% |
| 40 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.34% |
| 41 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.31% |
| 42 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.31% |
| 43 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.28% |
| 44 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.27% |
| 45 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.27% |
| 46 | Rear suspension fault | 0.22% |
| 47 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.19% |
| 48 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.17% |
| 49 | Chassis condition | 0.15% |
| 50 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.14% |
| 51 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.13% |
| 52 | Front suspension fault | 0.13% |
| 53 | Electrical switch fault | 0.13% |
| 54 | Engine oil leak | 0.12% |
| 55 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.12% |
| 56 | Brake caliper fault | 0.12% |
| 57 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.11% |
| 58 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.10% |
| 59 | Brake lever fault | 0.10% |
| 60 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.09% |
| 61 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.09% |
| 62 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.09% |
| 63 | Driver airbag fault | 0.09% |
| 64 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.08% |
| 65 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.08% |
| 66 | Brake fluid leak | 0.08% |
| 67 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.07% |
| 68 | Brake pedal fault | 0.07% |
| 69 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.07% |
| 70 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.07% |
| 71 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.07% |
| 72 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.07% |
| 73 | Steering arm worn | 0.07% |
| 74 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.07% |
| 75 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.07% |
| 76 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.06% |
| 77 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.06% |
| 78 | Steering operation fault | 0.06% |
| 79 | Drag link end worn | 0.06% |
| 80 | Steering free play excessive | 0.06% |
| 81 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.05% |
| 82 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.05% |
| 83 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 84 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 85 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.04% |
| 86 | Propshaft fault | 0.03% |
| 87 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.03% |
| 88 | Front passenger door fault | 0.03% |
| 89 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.03% |
| 90 | Suspension unit fault | 0.03% |
| 91 | Steering lock fault | 0.03% |
| 92 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.03% |
| 93 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 94 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 95 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.02% |
| 96 | Body security fault | 0.02% |
| 97 | Driver door fault | 0.02% |
| 98 | Electronic parking brake fault | 0.02% |
| 99 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 100 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.02% |
| 101 | Driver seat fault | 0.02% |
| 102 | Steering column fault | 0.02% |
| 103 | Electronic braking system fault | 0.02% |
| 104 | Power steering pump fault | 0.02% |
| 105 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.01% |
| 106 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.01% |
| 107 | Steering coupling worn | 0.01% |
| 108 | Electric power steering fault | 0.01% |
| 109 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 110 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.01% |
| 111 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | 0.01% |
| 112 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 113 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 116 | Passenger seat fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 119 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 123 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
| 124 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 126 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 128 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 130 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Suspension air bellows damaged | <0.01% |
| 133 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 137 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 138 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 140 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 141 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 144 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 146 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 147 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 148 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 149 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 151 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 152 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 153 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 154 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 155 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 157 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 158 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 159 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 160 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 161 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 162 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 163 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 164 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 165 | CV joint worn | <0.01% |
| 166 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 167 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 168 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 169 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 170 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 171 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 172 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 173 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 174 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 175 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 176 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 177 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 178 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 179 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 180 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 181 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 182 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 183 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 184 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 185 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 186 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 187 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 188 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 189 | Seat belt load limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 190 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 191 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 192 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 193 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 194 | Air brake cylinder or actuator fault | <0.01% |
| 195 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 196 | Chain drive fault | <0.01% |
| 197 | Cab corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 198 | Step damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 199 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | <0.01% |
| 200 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 201 | Anchor bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 202 | Passenger hand grip fault | <0.01% |
| 203 | Spring saddle corroded | <0.01% |
| 204 | Steering head bearings worn | <0.01% |
| 205 | Steering linkage fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 205 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Bmw MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for Bmw, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Bmw problems?
Based on analysis of 24.9M Bmw MOT tests from DVSA data, Bmw has 99 identified common problems across 27 models. The Bmw X5 has the most recorded problems. Brakes issues are the most common category.
Which Bmw model has the most problems?
By total identified common problems, the Bmw X5 has the highest count with 27 problems. This is partly because it is one of the more popular Bmw models on UK roads. See the models grid for a full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Bmw?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Bmw owners spot problems early. We review all submissions before they are published.
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