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BMW 1 Series F20/F21 (2011-2018) reliability

At a glance

BMW 1 Series F20/F21 built around 2018: about average at the MOT

BMW 1 Series F20/F21 models built around 2018 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a BMW 1 Series F20/F21?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

15% of MOT tests on BMW 1 Series F20/F21 models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 16% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on BMW 1 Series F20/F21 models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

BMW 1 Series F20/F21
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2011-2018HatchbackPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 293,436 tests of 1 Series models registered 2011-2018.

About 1 in 40 1 Series F20/F21 MOTs (2.5%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 34,246 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 20 1 Series F20/F21 MOTs (5.5%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).

Based on 34,246 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

F20/F21 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
13,10714.2%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
34,24614.8%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
39,59316.1%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
38,38417.6%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
38,20819.8%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
41,71222.0%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
42,44124.4%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
30,99225.6%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
14,75324.9%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 13 years old.

How the 1 Series F20/F21 compares

At each age below, see how the 1 Series F20/F21 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 156,618 tests across 18 BMW models, built around 2018 (7 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateBMW average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
13,10714.2%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
34,24614.8%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
39,59316.1%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
38,38417.6%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
38,20819.8%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
41,71222.0%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
42,44124.4%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
30,99225.6%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
14,75324.9%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other hatchbacks to compare

Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the 1 Series F20/F21.

  1. 1

    Mini

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.6%

    Lower fail rate: 12.3%, against 14.8% for the BMW 1 Series F20/F21, both built around 2018.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.

    50,561 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    Suzuki SX4

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13.5%

    No clear edge over the BMW 1 Series F20/F21 on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    3,314 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    Toyota Prius

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    11.1%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    0.9%
    Dangerous
    3.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.4%

    Lower fail rate: 11.1%, against 14.8% for the BMW 1 Series F20/F21, both built around 2018.

    17,367 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    Fiat 500

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16.9%

    No clear edge over the BMW 1 Series F20/F21 on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,235 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

92%of all BMW 1 Series cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · The same

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

69 recalls in all

21 of the 69 1 Series F20/F21 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 7 Critical
  • 14 more

Top concerns

  • Check driver’s airbag for conversion Takata SDI & PSDI-5
  • Takata driver and/or passenger airbag recall (global VINs)
  • Exhaust gas recirculation module cooler could leak

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

Fail rate by engine size, built around 2018 (7 years old)

Engine sizes across all petrol 1 Series tests (not specific to F20/F21).

1.4 to 2.0 litres14.6%14,317 tests2.0 to 3.0 litres10.0%4,515 tests
How 1 Series F20/F21 cars have aged

How 1 Series F20/F21 cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%35791113Age at MOTBuilt around 2018, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 11.2% (22,314 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2018, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 11.4% (20,596 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2018, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 13.2% (19,401 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2018, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 13.8% (18,702 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2018, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 14.3% (18,324 tests, 2025 data)2018Built around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 10.8% (26,140 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 12.2% (24,655 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 13.7% (23,934 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 14.5% (23,332 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 15.5% (23,056 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 13.1% (24,091 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 14.3% (23,343 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 15.6% (22,772 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 16.7% (22,284 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 17.3% (21,711 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 15.2% (24,260 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 15.7% (23,186 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 17.4% (22,806 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 18.4% (22,253 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 18.6% (21,515 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 17.8% (23,742 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 18.6% (23,004 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 19.9% (22,453 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 21.0% (21,818 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 21.2% (21,209 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 19.0% (28,239 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 20.4% (27,553 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 21.4% (26,653 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 22.8% (25,839 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 23.9% (24,966 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 21.5% (22,434 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 22.6% (21,673 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 24.2% (21,098 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 25.1% (20,022 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 25.9% (18,941 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 21.7% (19,052 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 22.5% (18,253 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 23.6% (17,392 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 24.7% (16,194 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 24.9% (14,753 tests, 2025 data)2011
First registered around 2018First registered around 2017First registered around 2016First registered around 2015
F20/F21 variants compared

1 Series F20/F21 variants built around 2018

The fail rate for each 1 Series F20/F21 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • 11815.7%10,209 tests
  • 1 SERIES10.9%7,879 tests
  • 12011.1%642 tests

Diesel

  • 11617.5%5,202 tests
  • 11817.1%4,525 tests
  • 1 SERIES14.5%4,302 tests
  • 12015.4%1,245 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on BMW 1 Series models of this age

This list covers every BMW 1 Series built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the F20/F21 on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    20.7%
    Advisory: 10,420Fail: 1,034 (9% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    10.8%
    Advisory: 4,381Fail: 525 (11% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    6.6%
    Advisory: 2,410Fail: 808 (25% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    6.1%
    Advisory: 3,025Fail: 44 (1% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Shock absorber has a light misting of oil

    3.8%
    Advisory: 1,278Fail: 269 (17% of the times it was found)

Based on 34,246 tests

Looking at a BMW 1 Series F20/F21?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2018 (7 years old), the BMW 1 Series F20/F21 (2011-2018) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 34,246 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 293,436 MOT tests on BMW 1 Series models first registered between 2011-2018. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.