BMW iX3 G08 (2020-2023) reliability
BMW iX3 G08 built around 2021: about average at the MOT
BMW iX3 G08 models built around 2021 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.
Looking at a BMW iX3 G08?
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Key figure
12% of MOT tests on BMW iX3 G08 models built around 2021 ended in a fail (retests included), against 11% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on BMW iX3 G08 models built around 2021 involves the tyres.
Based on 8,005 tests of iX3 models registered 2020-2023.
About 1 in 6 electricity iX3 cars registered in 2022 (16.1%) failed their first MOT.
Based on 5,657 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).
1.7% of iX3 G08 MOTs failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2021 (4 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 1,621 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 30 iX3 G08 MOTs (3.5%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2021 (4 years old).
Based on 1,621 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
G08 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 3 years old.
How the iX3 G08 compares
At each age below, see how the iX3 G08 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 107,852 tests across 22 BMW models, built around 2021 (4 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.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Visibility
Worth checkingInspect the visibility carefully and ask the seller for repair history.
Shock absorbers
Worth checkingBounce-test each corner; check for oily streaks down the strut bodies.
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 SUVs to compare
Other SUVs, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the iX3 G08.
- 1
Lexus UX
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 6%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 0.7%
- Dangerous
- 1.8%
Lower fail rate: 6.0%, against 12.3% for the BMW iX3 G08, both built around 2021.
4,973 MOT tests on cars built around 2021
- 2
Lexus RX
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 5.1%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 0.5%
- Dangerous
- 1.7%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 90.4%
Lower fail rate: 5.1%, against 12.3% for the BMW iX3 G08, both built around 2021.
1,784 MOT tests on cars built around 2021
- 3
Toyota Yaris Cross
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 7%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 0.6%
- Dangerous
- 1.2%
Lower fail rate: 7.0%, against 12.3% for the BMW iX3 G08, both built around 2021.
1,425 MOT tests on cars built around 2021
- 4
Suzuki Vitara
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 7.5%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 0.5%
- Dangerous
- 2%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 95.9%
Lower fail rate: 7.5%, against 12.3% for the BMW iX3 G08, both built around 2021.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
6,708 MOT tests on cars built around 2021
- 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.
Recall context
5 recalls in all3 of the 5 iX3 G08 recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 3 recalls
Top concerns
- On affected vehicles due to a supplier component production process error a damaged combined charging unit may have been
- A cable bridge connection connecting two circuit boards within the cell supervision circuit (CSC) might not have been in
- In rare cases due to a software error the fast intermediate circuit discharge is triggered late
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
G08 variants compared
iX3 G08 variants built around 2021
The fail rate for each iX3 G08 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.
Electricity
- IX3 PREMIER EDITION13.0%826 tests
- IX3 PREMIER EDITION PRO10.9%551 tests
Most common issues on BMW iX3 models of this age
This list covers every BMW iX3 built around 2021, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the G08 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 119.6%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 26.7%Advisory
Tyre has a cut that does not reach the ply or cords
- 36.2%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 42.7%Major
Wiper does not clear the windscreen properly
- 52.6%Advisory
Shock absorber has a light misting of oil
Based on 1,621 tests
Looking at a BMW iX3 G08?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2021 (4 years old), the BMW iX3 G08 (2020-2023) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 1,621 4-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.