2023 BMW X1: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2023 BMW X1s, from 293 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 293 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What gets flagged at MOT
The share of 2023 BMW X1 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres13% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Lights and electrics3% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes1% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors1% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Seats and seatbelts1% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 7,415 | Tyres 21% |
| 2021 | 7,607 | Tyres 23% |
| 2020 | 7,668 | Tyres 25% |
| 2019 | 13,609 | Tyres 28% |
| 2018 | 14,640 | Tyres 28% |
| 2017 | 13,907 | Tyres 27% |
| 2016 | 12,498 | Tyres 27% |
| 2015 | 4,602 | Tyres 29% |
| 2014 | 7,697 | Tyres 33% |
| 2013 | 7,017 | Tyres 34% |
| 2012 | 5,131 | Tyres 34% |
| 2011 | 5,666 | Tyres 35% |
| 2010 | 4,409 | Suspension 37% |
| 2009 | 395 | Suspension 46% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2023 BMW X1s registered in 2023. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score