BMW X3 G01 (2017-2023) reliability
BMW X3 G01 built around 2018: about average at the MOT
BMW X3 G01 models built around 2018 fail their MOT a little less often than similar cars the same age.
Looking at a BMW X3 G01?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
12% of MOT tests on BMW X3 G01 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 X3 G01 models built around 2018 involves the tyres.
Based on 61,851 tests of X3 models registered 2017-2023.
About 1 in 40 X3 G01 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 8,463 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 X3 G01 MOTs (3.5%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).
Based on 8,463 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
G01 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 8 years old.
How the X3 G01 compares
At each age below, see how the X3 G01 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).
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 SUVs to compare
Other SUVs, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the X3 G01.
- 1
Mitsubishi Eclipse
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 12.4%
No clear edge over the BMW X3 G01 on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
3,969 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 2
Volkswagen T-Roc
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 9.6%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 0.9%
- Dangerous
- 3.9%
Lower fail rate: 9.6%, against 12.4% for the BMW X3 G01, both built around 2018.
9,233 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 3
Skoda Karoq
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 10.3%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 1%
- Dangerous
- 4.3%
Lower fail rate: 10.3%, against 12.4% for the BMW X3 G01, both built around 2018.
8,610 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 4
Audi Q2
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 10.4%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 1.3%
- Dangerous
- 4.3%
Fewer fails still not passed 3 days later: 1.3%, against 2.5% for the BMW X3 G01.
15,997 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.
Recall context
57 recalls in all30 of the 57 X3 G01 recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 5 Critical
- 25 more
Top concerns
- Check driver’s airbag for conversion Takata SDI & PSDI-5
- A possible degradation of the propellant tablets could lead to an over-aggressive combustion in the event the airbag is
- Deployment of the passenger airbag could damage the instrument panel
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
What has gone wrong on X3 G01 cars built around 2018
The share of diesel cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 494 cars.
Fail rate by engine size, built around 2018 (7 years old)
Engine sizes across all diesel X3 tests (not specific to G01).
How X3 G01 cars have aged
How X3 G01 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 G01 cars age
How each part holds up as G01 cars age
The share of diesel 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% | 1% | 10% |
| Brakes | 1% | 3% | 4% | 12% |
| Emissions | 5% | 4% | 4% | 3% |
| Tyres | 15% | 19% | 24% | 26% |
| Lighting | 1% | 1% | 4% | 6% |
Based on diesel cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 300 to 857 cars at each age.
G01 variants compared
X3 G01 variants built around 2018
The fail rate for each X3 G01 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.
Diesel
- X312.7%7,508 tests
Petrol
- X310.3%946 tests
Most common issues on BMW X3 models of this age
This list covers every BMW X3 built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the G01 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 117.7%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 26.6%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
- 35.8%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 44.3%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
- 54.2%Advisory
Tyre has a cut that does not reach the ply or cords
Based on 8,463 tests
Looking at a BMW X3 G01?
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 X3 G01 (2017-2023) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 8,463 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.