At a Glance
The Bmw 5 Series has 11 identified common problems across 8 generations, with the F10 (2010-2017) being the most affected generation and tyres & wheels the most common problem category. Based on 3.7M 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 our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Bmw 5 Series common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Bmw 5 Series generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Browse Bmw 5 Series Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
E12
Most common MOT failure: Brake hydraulic component worn
E28
Most common MOT failure: Suspension component mounting corroded
E34
Top issue: Steering box fault
E39
Top issue: MacPherson strut condition
E60
Top issue: Brake lever fault
F10
Top issue: Headlamp washer not working
G30
Most common MOT failure: Tyre condition
G60
Most common MOT failure: Tyre tread depth below limit
Most Common Bmw 5 Series MOT Failures
Every reason Bmw 5 Series 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 | 12.75% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 10.25% |
| 3 | Tyre condition | 9.53% |
| 4 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 5.02% |
| 5 | Windscreen washer not working | 4.35% |
| 6 | Brake performance below minimum | 3.91% |
| 7 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 3.44% |
| 8 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 3.08% |
| 9 | Track rod end worn | 2.96% |
| 10 | Brake pads or linings worn | 2.86% |
| 11 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.78% |
| 12 | Number plate lamp not working | 2.78% |
| 13 | Front lamp not working | 2.67% |
| 14 | Stop lamp not working | 2.64% |
| 15 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 2.11% |
| 16 | Ball joint dust cover split | 2.01% |
| 17 | Exhaust system fault | 1.82% |
| 18 | Indicator fault | 1.41% |
| 19 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.38% |
| 20 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.37% |
| 21 | Headlamp fault | 1.37% |
| 22 | Airbag warning light on | 1.36% |
| 23 | Position lamp not working | 1.33% |
| 24 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.13% |
| 25 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.09% |
| 26 | ABS fault | 1.06% |
| 27 | Rear lamp not working | 1.05% |
| 28 | Seat belt condition | 0.75% |
| 29 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.74% |
| 30 | Steering rack fault | 0.73% |
| 31 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.61% |
| 32 | Fog lamp not working | 0.59% |
| 33 | Parking brake condition | 0.57% |
| 34 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.57% |
| 35 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.55% |
| 36 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.52% |
| 37 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.43% |
| 38 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.32% |
| 39 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.32% |
| 40 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.30% |
| 41 | Horn not working | 0.29% |
| 42 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.27% |
| 43 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.24% |
| 44 | Driveshaft fault | 0.21% |
| 45 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.21% |
| 46 | Chassis condition | 0.20% |
| 47 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.19% |
| 48 | Rear suspension fault | 0.18% |
| 49 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.16% |
| 50 | Front suspension fault | 0.13% |
| 51 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.13% |
| 52 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.12% |
| 53 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.12% |
| 54 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.12% |
| 55 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.12% |
| 56 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.12% |
| 57 | Drag link end worn | 0.12% |
| 58 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.10% |
| 59 | Steering arm worn | 0.10% |
| 60 | Engine oil leak | 0.10% |
| 61 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.09% |
| 62 | Steering free play excessive | 0.08% |
| 63 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.08% |
| 64 | Driver airbag fault | 0.08% |
| 65 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.08% |
| 66 | Brake caliper fault | 0.08% |
| 67 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.07% |
| 68 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.07% |
| 69 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.07% |
| 70 | Brake lever fault | 0.07% |
| 71 | Brake pedal fault | 0.07% |
| 72 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.07% |
| 73 | Brake fluid leak | 0.06% |
| 74 | Electrical switch fault | 0.06% |
| 75 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.06% |
| 76 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.05% |
| 77 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.05% |
| 78 | Suspension unit fault | 0.05% |
| 79 | Propshaft fault | 0.04% |
| 80 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.04% |
| 81 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.04% |
| 82 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 83 | Electronic parking brake fault | 0.04% |
| 84 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.04% |
| 85 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.03% |
| 86 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.03% |
| 87 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.03% |
| 88 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.03% |
| 89 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.03% |
| 90 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 91 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 92 | Steering operation fault | 0.03% |
| 93 | Driver seat fault | 0.03% |
| 94 | Steering lock fault | 0.02% |
| 95 | Steering box fault | 0.02% |
| 96 | Body security fault | 0.02% |
| 97 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.02% |
| 98 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 99 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.02% |
| 100 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.02% |
| 101 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | 0.02% |
| 102 | Suspension air bellows damaged | 0.02% |
| 103 | Power steering pump fault | 0.01% |
| 104 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.01% |
| 105 | Front passenger door fault | 0.01% |
| 106 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.01% |
| 107 | Steering column fault | 0.01% |
| 108 | Power steering ram fault | 0.01% |
| 109 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 110 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 111 | Driver door fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 117 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 118 | Subframe corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 119 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 120 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 122 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 123 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 124 | Passenger seat fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 126 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 131 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 132 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 140 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 141 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 143 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 144 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 146 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 148 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 151 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 153 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 155 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 157 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 158 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 159 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 160 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 161 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 162 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 163 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 164 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 165 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 166 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 167 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 168 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 169 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 170 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 171 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 172 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 173 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 174 | CV joint worn | <0.01% |
| 175 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 176 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 177 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 178 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 179 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 180 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 181 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 182 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 183 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 184 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 185 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 186 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 187 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 188 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 189 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 190 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 191 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 192 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 193 | Chain drive fault | <0.01% |
| 194 | Seat belt load limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 195 | Cab corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 196 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 197 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | <0.01% |
Showing all 197 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Bmw 5 Series MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Bmw 5 Series, 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 5 Series problems?
Based on analysis of 3.7M Bmw 5 Series MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 11 identified common problems across 8 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Headlamp washer not working". Tyres & Wheels is the most common problem category.
Which Bmw 5 Series generation has the most problems?
The Bmw 5 Series F10 (2010-2017) (2010–2017) has the highest number of identified common problems (6). Click the generation card above for the 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 5 Series?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Bmw 5 Series owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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