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BMW X6 F16 (2014-2018) reliability

At a glance

BMW X6 F16 built around 2018: about average at the MOT

BMW X6 F16 models built around 2018 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a BMW X6 F16?

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

Key figure

14% of MOT tests on BMW X6 F16 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 X6 F16 models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2014-2018SUVDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 8,705 tests of X6 models registered 2014-2018.

About 1 in 30 X6 F16 MOTs (3%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 1,997 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 X6 F16 MOTs (3.8%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).

Based on 1,997 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

F16 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
93313.4%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
1,99713.7%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
1,80011.4%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
1,83811.3%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
1,17314.8%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
96415.7%

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 11 years old.

How the X6 F16 compares

At each age below, see how the X6 F16 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).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateBMW average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
93313.4%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
1,99713.7%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
1,80011.4%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
1,83811.3%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
1,17314.8%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
96415.7%

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 X6 F16.

  1. 1

    Mitsubishi Eclipse

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.4%

    No clear edge over the BMW X6 F16 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. 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 13.7% for the BMW X6 F16, both built around 2018.

    9,233 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    Lexus RX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    7.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.3%
    Dangerous
    2.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    90.4%

    Lower fail rate: 7.6%, against 13.7% for the BMW X6 F16, both built around 2018.

    1,815 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    Lexus NX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    9.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1%
    Dangerous
    2.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.4%

    Lower fail rate: 9.5%, against 13.7% for the BMW X6 F16, both built around 2018.

    4,706 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.
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

83%of all BMW X6 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

30 recalls in all

10 of the 30 X6 F16 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 5 Critical
  • 5 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 X6 F16 cars have aged

How X6 F16 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%357911Age at MOTBuilt around 2018, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 11.8% (2,023 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2018, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 11.3% (1,670 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2018, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 10.9% (1,519 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2018, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 12.8% (1,486 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2018, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 14.2% (1,421 tests, 2025 data)2018Built around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 11.2% (1,147 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 10.0% (1,047 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 9.6% (996 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 12.2% (992 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 12.0% (902 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 11.2% (1,353 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 11.1% (1,272 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 11.0% (1,202 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 10.5% (1,114 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 10.6% (1,119 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 12.5% (806 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 12.5% (765 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 9.6% (700 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 13.3% (678 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 13.6% (669 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 13.9% (1,148 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 17.4% (1,152 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 17.1% (1,113 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 15.9% (1,035 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 15.7% (964 tests, 2025 data)2014
First registered around 2018First registered around 2017First registered around 2016First registered around 2015
F16 variants compared
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on BMW X6 models of this age

This list covers every BMW X6 built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the F16 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

    18.6%
    Advisory: 613Fail: 22 (3% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    6.6%
    Advisory: 128Fail: 61 (32% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    6.2%
    Advisory: 146Fail: 11 (7% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

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

    5.6%
    Advisory: 133Fail: 33 (20% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

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

    4.8%
    Advisory: 130Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)

Based on 1,997 tests

Looking at a BMW X6 F16?

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 X6 F16 (2014-2018) fails MOTs slightly less often than typical for this age. This is based on 1,997 7-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 8,705 MOT tests on BMW X6 models first registered between 2014-2018. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.