2020 BMW X3 MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 88.7% of BMW X3s first used in 2020 passed their MOT first time, against 86.0% for all cars first used in 2020. Across 23,062 X3 first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were tyres, visibility (wipers, washers and windscreen) and noise, emissions and leaks.
This page analyses first MOT tests for BMW X3s first used in 2020 (all trims grouped): 2021 to 2025 for the pass-rate trend, and 2023 to 2025 for the failure and advisory analysis — plus what is worth checking before you buy one.
Data: DVSA anonymised MOT tests to December 2025 · Calculated by SortedCars · Updated October 2026
How the 2020 BMW X3 MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, X3s first used in 2020 against all cars first used in 2020 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the X3 figure was 2.7 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2020 X3 | All cars first used 2020 | X3 first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | fewer than 500 tests | 84.7% | 24 |
| 2022 | fewer than 500 tests | 90.2% | 331 |
| 2023 | 89.9% | 87.7% | 7,799 |
| 2024 | 88.9% | 86.9% | 7,705 |
| 2025 | 88.7% | 86.0% | 7,558 |
Common 2020 BMW X3 MOT failures
Share of the 2,501 failed first tests (2023–2025) with at least one failure in each area. A test can fail in more than one area, so the shares add up to more than 100%.
Most common failure items
| DVSA failure item | Share of failed first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords | 27.9% | 698 |
| Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively | 15.1% | 378 |
| Tyre condition: has ply or cords exposed | 13.7% | 342 |
| Tread depth: below requirements of 1.6mm | 8.2% | 204 |
| Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction | 7.5% | 187 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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What to check on a 2020 BMW X3 before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- Tyres. Worth checking the tread depth across the whole width of each tyre, and the sidewalls for cuts, cracks and bulges.
- Wipers and windscreen. Worth checking that the wipers clear the screen cleanly, that the washers work, and that there are no chips or cracks in the driver’s view.
- Engine and emissions. Worth checking that the engine warning light goes out after starting, looking for oil leaks under the car, and noticing any smoke from the exhaust.
Common 2020 BMW X3 MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2020 X3s, as a share of all 23,062 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 11.7% | 2,705 |
| Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing | 4.2% | 963 |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | 3.0% | 701 |
| Brake pads: wearing thin | 2.8% | 641 |
| Tyre condition: has a cut but not deep enough to reach the ply or cords | 2.5% | 588 |
Questions about the 2020 BMW X3 MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2020 BMW X3?
In 2025, 88.7% of X3s first used in 2020 passed their MOT first time, against 86.0% for all cars first used in 2020. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2020 X3 most often fail its MOT on?
Tyres (in 54.5% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), visibility (wipers, washers and windscreen) (20.4%) and noise, emissions and leaks (11.4%). The single most common item was “Tyre condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords” (27.9%).
How often does a 2020 BMW X3 fail its MOT?
In 2025, 11.3% of first tests on X3s first used in 2020 did not pass first time: 9.5% failed, and a further 1.8% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 2,501 of 23,062 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2020 BMW X3 MOT advisories?
“Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (on 11.7% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” (4.2%), “Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt” (3.0%), “Brake pads: wearing thin” (2.8%) and “Tyre condition: has a cut but not deep enough to reach the ply or cords” (2.5%).
Is a 2020 BMW X3 reliable?
An MOT pass rate shows what failed at the test, not how reliable a car is. For this group of cars the first-time pass rate went from 89.9% in 2023 to 88.7% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2020
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2020 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2020 Vauxhall Corsa MOT statistics · 2020 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2020 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2020 MINI Hatch MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2020 X3?
The numbers above cover every X3 first used in 2020 and tested in Great Britain. Our free check shows the actual MOT history, mileage record and tax status of the one you are looking at.
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