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BMW X5 F15 (2013-2017) reliability

At a glance

BMW X5 F15 built around 2017: fails its MOT less often than average

BMW X5 F15 models built around 2017 fail their MOT less often than similar cars the same age.

Looking at a BMW X5 F15?

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

Key figure

12% of MOT tests on BMW X5 F15 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 X5 F15 models built around 2017 involves the tyres.

BMW X5 F15
excellent reliability2013-2017SUVDIESEL / PETROL / HYBRID ELECTRIC

Based on 31,640 tests of X5 models registered 2013-2017.

About 1 in 30 X5 F15 MOTs (3.1%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2017 (8 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 7,204 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 X5 F15 MOTs (4.7%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2017 (8 years old).

Based on 7,204 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

F15 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
2,71911.6%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
7,20412.0%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
7,72812.8%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
6,79213.4%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
4,96714.7%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
2,23019.3%

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 12 years old.

How the X5 F15 compares

At each age below, see how the X5 F15 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
2,71911.6%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
7,20412.0%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
7,72812.8%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
6,79213.4%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
4,96714.7%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
2,23019.3%

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 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 X5 F15.

  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 12.0% for the BMW X5 F15, 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 12.0% for the BMW X5 F15, 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%

    Fewer fails still not passed 3 days later: 1.4%, against 3.1% for the BMW X5 F15.

    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 12.0% for the BMW X5 F15, 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

87%of all BMW X5 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% · Fewer than 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

70 recalls in all

14 of the 70 X5 F15 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 6 Critical
  • 8 more

Top concerns

  • Takata driver and/or passenger airbag recall (global VINs)
  • Check driver’s airbag for conversion Takata SDI & PSDI-5
  • The driver and front passenger airbags may deploy with too much explosive force causing sharp metal fragments to be rele

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

How X5 F15 cars have aged

How X5 F15 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%4681012Age at MOTBuilt around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 12.7% (5,121 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 11.8% (4,673 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 11.9% (4,410 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 12.2% (4,272 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 12.1% (4,082 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 11.7% (4,727 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 10.9% (4,428 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 10.6% (4,233 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 11.8% (4,166 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 11.5% (4,010 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 12.5% (4,938 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 12.4% (4,637 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 11.9% (4,288 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 12.1% (4,138 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 13.0% (4,097 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 13.7% (3,885 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 12.3% (3,695 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 12.7% (3,541 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 12.4% (3,399 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 13.5% (3,286 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 17.7% (2,520 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 18.6% (2,539 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 19.3% (2,481 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 17.7% (2,297 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 19.3% (2,230 tests, 2025 data)2013
First registered around 2017First registered around 2016First registered around 2015First registered around 2014
F15 variants compared

X5 F15 variants built around 2017

The fail rate for each X5 F15 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Diesel

  • X512.1%6,237 tests

Hybrid electric

  • X512.5%714 tests

Petrol

  • X59.5%242 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on BMW X5 models of this age

This list covers every BMW X5 built around 2017, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the F15 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

    19.5%
    Advisory: 2,256Fail: 126 (5% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    5.9%
    Advisory: 517Fail: 30 (5% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    5.8%
    Advisory: 565Fail: 83 (13% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    5.7%
    Advisory: 327Fail: 243 (43% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

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

    4.0%
    Advisory: 423Fail: 2 (0% of the times it was found)

Based on 7,204 tests

Looking at a BMW X5 F15?

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 X5 F15 (2013-2017) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 7,204 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 31,640 MOT tests on BMW X5 models first registered between 2013-2017. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.