BMW 1 Series F40 (2019-2023) reliability
BMW 1 Series F40 built around 2020: about average at the MOT
BMW 1 Series F40 models built around 2020 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.
Looking at a BMW 1 Series F40?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
12% of MOT tests on BMW 1 Series F40 models built around 2020 ended in a fail (retests included), against 12% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on BMW 1 Series F40 models built around 2020 involves the tyres.
Based on 81,182 tests of 1 Series models registered 2019-2023.
About 1 in 12 petrol 1 Series cars registered in 2022 (8.8%) failed their first MOT.
Based on 8,926 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).
About 1 in 50 1 Series F40 MOTs (1.9%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2020 (5 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 24,026 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 F40 MOTs (5.2%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2020 (5 years old).
Based on 24,026 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
F40 fail rate by age
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 6 years old.
How the 1 Series F40 compares
At each age below, see how the 1 Series F40 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 121,757 tests across 19 BMW models, built around 2020 (5 years old).
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 priorityAsk when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.
Brake discs
High priorityAsk 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 checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck 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 F40.
- 1
Suzuki SX4
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 10.6%
No clear edge over the BMW 1 Series F40 on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
1,440 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- 2
Mini
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 10.7%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 95.6%
No clear edge over the BMW 1 Series F40 on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.
44,857 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- 3
Citroen C5
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 16.6%
No clear edge over the BMW 1 Series F40 on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
7,168 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- 4
Volkswagen E-Golf
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 12.5%
No clear edge over the BMW 1 Series F40 on these figures.
10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
3,917 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- Fail rate
- = the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
- Still registered at 10 years
- = the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.
Recall context
69 recalls in all7 of the 69 1 Series F40 recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 1 Critical
- 6 more
Top concerns
- The driver's air bag fabric could be damaged by the air bag cover during deployment
- Rework front end threaded connection (BMW)
- Integrated braking system
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
What has gone wrong on 1 Series F40 cars built around 2020
The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 1,438 cars.
Fail rate by engine size, built around 2020 (5 years old)
Engine sizes across all petrol 1 Series tests (not specific to F40).
How 1 Series F40 cars have aged
How 1 Series F40 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.
Some lines cover only a year or two, so read this as a rough guide.
How each part holds up as F40 cars age
How each part holds up as F40 cars age
The share of petrol cars built 2017-2020 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.
| Part of the car | 5 years | 6 years | 7 years | 8 years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 1% | 1% | 2% | 5% |
| Brakes | 3% | 6% | 8% | 8% |
| Emissions | No figure | 2% | 3% | 4% |
| Tyres | 17% | 23% | 26% | 28% |
| Lighting | 1% | 4% | 8% | 7% |
| Corrosion | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
Based on petrol cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 1,168 to 1,556 cars at each age.
F40 variants compared
1 Series F40 variants built around 2020
The fail rate for each 1 Series F40 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.
Petrol
- 11811.0%13,877 tests
- 1 SERIES12.3%3,828 tests
Diesel
- 11614.3%2,184 tests
- 11813.3%2,085 tests
- 1 SERIES13.1%1,183 tests
- 12014.0%641 tests
Most common issues on BMW 1 Series models of this age
This list covers every BMW 1 Series built around 2020, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the F40 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 118.1%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 211.6%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 38.5%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
- 44.8%Advisory
Tyre has a cut that does not reach the ply or cords
- 53.2%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
Based on 24,026 tests
Looking at a BMW 1 Series F40?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2020 (5 years old), the BMW 1 Series F40 (2019-2023) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 24,026 5-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.