At a Glance
The Bmw X6 has 12 identified common problems across 3 generations, with the E71 (2008-2014) being the most affected generation and tyres & wheels the most common problem category. Based on 126K 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 X6 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 X6 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 X6 Generations
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Most Common Bmw X6 MOT Failures
Every reason Bmw X6 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 | Tyre condition | 19.57% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 11.99% |
| 3 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 9.02% |
| 4 | Windscreen washer not working | 7.52% |
| 5 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 6.28% |
| 6 | Brake pads or linings worn | 4.59% |
| 7 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 4.07% |
| 8 | Driveshaft fault | 3.13% |
| 9 | Number plate lamp not working | 3.04% |
| 10 | Ball joint dust cover split | 2.46% |
| 11 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 2.39% |
| 12 | Position lamp not working | 2.29% |
| 13 | Headlamp fault | 2.12% |
| 14 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 1.91% |
| 15 | Brake performance below minimum | 1.81% |
| 16 | Stop lamp not working | 1.76% |
| 17 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.38% |
| 18 | Indicator fault | 1.18% |
| 19 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.03% |
| 20 | Front lamp not working | 0.99% |
| 21 | Brake disc or drum worn | 0.94% |
| 22 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.85% |
| 23 | Seat belt condition | 0.75% |
| 24 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.49% |
| 25 | Airbag warning light on | 0.46% |
| 26 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.38% |
| 27 | Fog lamp not working | 0.38% |
| 28 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.36% |
| 29 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.36% |
| 30 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.33% |
| 31 | Headlamp aim defect | 0.31% |
| 32 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.30% |
| 33 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.28% |
| 34 | Suspension air bellows damaged | 0.25% |
| 35 | ABS fault | 0.24% |
| 36 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.23% |
| 37 | Track rod end worn | 0.23% |
| 38 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.23% |
| 39 | Engine oil leak | 0.21% |
| 40 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.21% |
| 41 | Exhaust system fault | 0.19% |
| 42 | Brake caliper fault | 0.19% |
| 43 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.19% |
| 44 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.19% |
| 45 | Horn not working | 0.16% |
| 46 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.15% |
| 47 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.14% |
| 48 | Steering rack fault | 0.14% |
| 49 | Front suspension fault | 0.13% |
| 50 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.13% |
| 51 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.11% |
| 52 | Electronic braking system fault | 0.11% |
| 53 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.10% |
| 54 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.10% |
| 55 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.09% |
| 56 | Electronic parking brake fault | 0.09% |
| 57 | Propshaft fault | 0.09% |
| 58 | Rear lamp not working | 0.09% |
| 59 | Suspension unit fault | 0.09% |
| 60 | Steering lock fault | 0.08% |
| 61 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.08% |
| 62 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.06% |
| 63 | Brake pedal fault | 0.06% |
| 64 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 0.05% |
| 65 | Front fog lamp not working | 0.05% |
| 66 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.05% |
| 67 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.04% |
| 68 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.04% |
| 69 | Brake lever fault | 0.03% |
| 70 | Electric power steering fault | 0.03% |
| 71 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.03% |
| 72 | Electrical switch fault | 0.03% |
| 73 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.03% |
| 74 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.03% |
| 75 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.03% |
| 76 | Driver seat fault | 0.03% |
| 77 | Front passenger door fault | 0.03% |
| 78 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | 0.03% |
| 79 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.03% |
| 80 | Driver door fault | 0.02% |
| 81 | Handbrake fails on gradient | 0.02% |
| 82 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 83 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.01% |
| 84 | Brake fluid leak | 0.01% |
| 85 | Daytime running lamp not working | 0.01% |
| 86 | Exhaust leak | 0.01% |
| 87 | Parking brake condition | 0.01% |
| 88 | Passenger seat fault | 0.01% |
| 89 | Speedometer fault | 0.01% |
| 90 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 91 | Body security fault | 0.01% |
| 92 | Brake servo fault | 0.01% |
| 93 | Driver airbag fault | 0.01% |
| 94 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.01% |
| 95 | Main beam warning light fault | 0.01% |
| 96 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 97 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 98 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | <0.01% |
| 99 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 100 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | <0.01% |
| 101 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 102 | Rear suspension fault | <0.01% |
| 103 | Steering column fault | <0.01% |
| 104 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 105 | Subframe corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 106 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 107 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 108 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 109 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 110 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 111 | Battery loose or leaking | <0.01% |
| 112 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Drag link end worn | <0.01% |
| 114 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 115 | Handbrake lever fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 117 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Seat belt load limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 125 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Steering arm worn | <0.01% |
| 128 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 129 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 130 | MacPherson strut worn | <0.01% |
| 131 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
Showing all 131 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Bmw X6 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Bmw X6, 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 X6 problems?
Based on analysis of 126K Bmw X6 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 12 identified common problems across 3 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Tyre condition". Tyres & Wheels is the most common problem category.
Which Bmw X6 generation has the most problems?
The Bmw X6 E71 (2008-2014) (2008–2014) has the highest number of identified common problems (12). 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 X6?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Bmw X6 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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