Data as of: DVSA MOT results to 2025
The pass rate is the MOT first-time pass: a roadworthiness check of the items an MOT covers (brakes, lights, tyres, steering, structure, emissions), not a full mechanical inspection of engine or gearbox internals. It is a reliability signal, not a complete measure of mechanical reliability. What this measures.
“vs expected” adjusts for age, mileage and test class, so a cherished classic and a hard-used commuter are compared fairly. How this works.
Pass rate over time
The X5's first-time pass rate has risen 7.4 points since 2006, 87.2% to 94.6%.
Pass rate by mileage
A low-mileage X5 passes first time 83.3% of the time; by 40k that's 84.6%.
First-time pass rate by odometer reading at test, 10,000-mile bands for this model. Mileage is the strongest reliability signal. See the full curve.
What fails on a X5
| Component group | Share of defects | Defects | % of defects | vs all bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| steering and suspension |
|
32 | 31.4 | 1.2× |
| lighting and signalling |
|
31 | 30.4 | 0.6× |
| brakes |
|
16 | 15.7 | 0.5× |
| tyres and wheels |
|
10 | 9.8 | 0.7× |
| drive system |
|
4 | 3.9 | 0.9× |
| reg plates and vin |
|
3 | 2.9 | 0.9× |
| lamps and reflectors |
|
2 | 2 | 0.1× |
| driving controls |
|
2 | 2 | 1.4× |
| body and structure |
|
1 | 1 | 0.4× |
| suspension |
|
1 | 1 | 0.2× |
Defects recorded against failed normal tests, 2005–2025, grouped by DVSA inspection section. One test can record multiple defects. "vs all bikes" is how often this model's tests record a defect in the group, as a multiple of the all-bike rate.
How rivals compare
On first-time pass rate the X5 beats 4 of its 4 closest rivals (YAMAHA YP250, YAMAHA WR250F, HONDA XR250).
Rivals share this bike's type and sit within ±30% of its engine capacity, ≥ 5,000 tests. Card colour = better/worse first-time pass rate than the X5.
Compare with any bike
More SUZUKI models
Pass rate by registration year
Highest pass rate: 1982 (97.2%). Lowest: 1979 (81.8%). Every X5 year compared →
First-time pass rate by the year each bike was first registered (cohorts with ≥ 50 tests). Older cohorts are survivors: the worst examples have already left the road, which tends to lift the earliest years.
SUZUKI X5 FAQ
Is the SUZUKI X5 reliable?
The SUZUKI X5 is more reliable than average for its class: 86.9% of its 588 MOT tests (2005–2025) passed first time, against a class average of 73.4%. That ranks it #1937 of 5428 models.
What does a X5 fail its MOT on most?
steering and suspension: 31% of all defects recorded against failed X5 tests.
What is the best year of X5 to buy used?
By first-time pass rate, 1982-registered examples do best (97.2%) and 1979 worst (81.8%). Condition and history still trump the year.
How many miles will a X5 last?
The median X5 shows 23,337 miles at test, and examples around 40k miles still pass 84.6% of the time, so mileage alone rarely decides the result.
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