2021 BMW X1 diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel BMW X1 first registered in 2021 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 2,241 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Common 2021 BMW X1 diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2021 BMW X1 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres23% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Brakes5% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors3% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Seats and seatbelts3% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
- Lights and electrics3% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension1% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
Known faults on the 2021 BMW X1 diesel
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- Diesel
EGR cooler recall (diesel, fire risk)
Leaks from the EGR cooler, with a risk of fire, led to recalls in 2018 and 2020.
At the viewing: Ask a BMW dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.
Source: Auto Express: used BMW X1 (Mk2, 2015-2022) buyer’s guide
- All engines
Airbag, steering and front axle recalls
There were recalls for faulty airbags (including cars built Sept to Dec 2016), a front axle fault, faulty steering assemblies, crankshaft sensors and rear light fixings.
At the viewing: Ask a BMW dealer to confirm every recall has been done.
Source: Auto Express: used BMW X1 (Mk2, 2015-2022) buyer’s guide
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2021 BMW X1 diesel
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Have the EGR cooler recalls been done?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a BMW X1?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the BMW X1 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 291 | Tyres 13% |
| 2022 | 7,938 | Tyres 21% |
| 2020 | 23,263 | Tyres 24% |
| 2019 | 40,760 | Tyres 27% |
| 2018 | 43,483 | Tyres 29% |
| 2017 | 41,392 | Tyres 28% |
| 2016 | 37,304 | Tyres 27% |
| 2015 | 13,804 | Tyres 29% |
| 2014 | 23,178 | Tyres 33% |
| 2013 | 21,376 | Tyres 32% |
| 2012 | 16,008 | Tyres 33% |
| 2011 | 17,693 | Tyres 35% |
| 2010 | 13,975 | Tyres 33% |
| 2009 | 1,269 | Suspension 39% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of BMW X1 cars first registered in 2021. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score