BMW X5 (2021)
2021 BMW X5
CarHunch analysed 502 real MOT records for the 2021 BMW X5. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2021 BMW X5 is a reliably built SUV, with an 82.9% first-time pass rate that sits above the UK average of 80%—and diesel variants perform even better at 86.4%. Only 7.8% of these vehicles have ever recorded a dangerous defect, which is reassuringly low and shouldn't be a major concern for buyers.
At a median mileage of 34,259 miles for a three-year-old model, these cars are running well within typical expectations, and the low average of just 0.23 failures per vehicle confirms they're holding up. When you do take one in for its MOT, expect to pick up around 1.1 advisories on average—mostly minor wear items—so budget for routine maintenance but don't expect costly surprises if you're buying one that's been properly serviced.
What to check before buying a 2021 BMW X5
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a BMW X5
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel (62%) | 309 | 86.4% | 0.27 |
| Electric Diesel (19%) | 97 | 64.6% | 0.09 |
| Petrol (15%) | 75 | 90.3% | 0.23 |
| Hybrid Electric (Clean) (4%) | 18 | 88.4% | 0.28 |
| Other (0%) | 2 | 100% | 0 |
| Other (0%) | 1 | 100% | 0 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2021 BMW X5 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2021 BMW X5 vehicles fall between 26,732 and 43,341 miles.
2021 BMW X5 — Still on the Road
Strong survival — 413 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 100% of the peak.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2023–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2021 BMW X5
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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13.6%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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13.3%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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12.8%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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12.6%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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8.4%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin
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8.1%
Nearside Rear Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt ()
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7.7%
Nearside Rear Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords
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7.7%
Offside Rear Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2021. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific BMW X5?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.