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BMW X4 F26 (2014-2017) reliability

At a glance

BMW X4 F26 built around 2017: about average at the MOT

BMW X4 F26 models built around 2017 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a BMW X4 F26?

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

Key figure

17% of MOT tests on BMW X4 F26 models built around 2017 ended in a fail (retests included), against 18% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on BMW X4 F26 models built around 2017 involves the tyres.

BMW X4 F26
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2014-2017SUVDIESEL

Based on 9,090 tests of X4 models registered 2014-2017.

About 1 in 25 X4 F26 MOTs (4%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2017 (8 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 2,764 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 25 X4 F26 MOTs (4.3%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2017 (8 years old).

Based on 2,764 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

F26 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
1,11415.2%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
2,76416.5%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
2,98017.0%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
1,94217.7%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
29015.5%

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 10 years old.

How the X4 F26 compares

At each age below, see how the X4 F26 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 164,652 tests across 18 BMW models, built around 2017 (8 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateBMW average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
1,11415.2%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
2,76416.5%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
2,98017.0%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
1,94217.7%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
29015.5%

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.

Suspension springs

Worth checking

Check ride height is even side-to-side and look for cracked or rusted coils.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

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 SUVs to compare

Other SUVs, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the X4 F26.

  1. 1

    Lexus RX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    7.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.3%
    Dangerous
    2.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    90.4%

    Lower fail rate: 7.4%, against 16.5% for the BMW X4 F26, both built around 2017.

    1,993 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

  2. 2

    Lexus NX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    10%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.7%
    Dangerous
    2.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.4%

    Lower fail rate: 10.0%, against 16.5% for the BMW X4 F26, both built around 2017.

    3,954 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

  3. 3

    Audi Q2

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    11.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.4%
    Dangerous
    4.2%

    Lower fail rate: 11.8%, against 16.5% for the BMW X4 F26, both built around 2017.

    8,265 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

  4. 4

    Porsche Macan

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    9.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.5%
    Dangerous
    2.6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    91.6%

    Lower fail rate: 9.8%, against 16.5% for the BMW X4 F26, both built around 2017.

    5,741 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

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

90%of all BMW X4 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% · About typical

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

24 recalls in all

11 of the 24 X4 F26 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 5 Critical
  • 6 more

Top concerns

  • Takata driver and/or passenger airbag recall (global VINs)
  • 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

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

Fail rate by engine size, built around 2017 (8 years old)

Engine sizes across all diesel X4 tests (not specific to F26).

1.4 to 2.0 litres16.3%1,658 tests2.0 to 3.0 litres17.0%1,103 tests
How X4 F26 cars have aged

How X4 F26 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%4567891011Age at MOTBuilt around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 10.8% (1,681 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 10.9% (1,463 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 13.2% (1,447 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 16.2% (1,452 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 15.6% (1,380 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 13.6% (2,112 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 15.4% (2,024 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 15.9% (1,949 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 15.5% (1,836 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 15.9% (1,846 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 15.8% (1,489 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 15.0% (1,399 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 18.6% (1,412 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 16.8% (1,365 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 17.9% (1,373 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 18.0% (401 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 18.6% (376 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 15.0% (340 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 16.8% (333 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 15.5% (290 tests, 2025 data)2014
First registered around 2017First registered around 2016First registered around 2015First registered around 2014
F26 variants compared
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on BMW X4 models of this age

This list covers every BMW X4 built around 2017, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the F26 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

    21.7%
    Advisory: 940Fail: 64 (6% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    9.7%
    Advisory: 285Fail: 41 (13% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Coil spring corroded

    6.6%
    Advisory: 141Fail: 96 (41% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Shock absorber has a light misting of oil

    5.4%
    Advisory: 116Fail: 42 (27% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

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

    5.3%
    Advisory: 205Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)

Based on 2,764 tests

Looking at a BMW X4 F26?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2017 (8 years old), the BMW X4 F26 (2014-2017) fails MOTs slightly less often than typical for this age. This is based on 2,764 8-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 9,090 MOT tests on BMW X4 models first registered between 2014-2017. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.