Common problems by part
BMW 2 Series steering problems
DVSA MOT tests 2022–2025 · 79,099 MOT tests · Updated
At 6 years, 0.1 in 100 MOT tests of the BMW 2 Series failed on steering, against 0.5 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 79,099 MOT tests) [1].
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- Against all class 4 vehicles the same age: about average for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years), 69 MOT tests with a fail
- By age: seen at 9 ages from 3 to 11 years, 478,855 MOT tests
- MOT tests at 6 years: 79,099 for the BMW 2 Series
Figures are for the model as a whole, not for one car.
What the MOT tests show
What we know
0.1 fails per 100 MOT tests at 6 years, against 0.5 for all class 4 vehicles tested at 6 (all test years). That is about average.
Why it matters
A steering fail stops the car passing until it is fixed.
What to check
With the engine running, turn the wheel lock to lock: listen for knocks or groans and feel for play at the straight-ahead position. On the drive the car should not wander.
BMW 2 Series steering fails by age
| Age | MOT tests | Fails per 100 | All class 4 vehicles the same age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 54,049 | 0.0 | 0.1 |
| 4 | 64,335 | 0.0 | 0.2 |
| 5 | 70,286 | 0.1 | 0.3 |
| 6 | 79,099 | 0.1 | 0.5 |
| 7 | 78,101 | 0.1 | 0.8 |
| 8 | 62,053 | 0.2 | 1.2 |
| 9 | 43,661 | 0.2 | 1.8 |
| 10 | 22,003 | 0.2 | 2.1 |
| 11 | 5,268 | 0.4 | 2.5 |
All first-use years of the BMW 2 Series pooled at each age, against all class 4 vehicles at that age over all 2022–2025 test years.
What fails in the steering at 6 years
Advisories (not fails)
- Track rod end: ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt: 0.2 advisories per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 0.3. Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (MOT minor defect)
- Play in steering rack inner joint(s): 0.2 advisories per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 0.3. Play in steering rack inner joint(s) MOT advisory
Buying a BMW 2 Series? Check that exact car before the viewing.
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- Model risks for this year and fuel
- What similar cars did at their next MOT
- Repairs ahead
- Viewing checklist
By engine and fuel
- 1.5 petrol: 0.1 per 100 at 6 years, about average for petrol class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 27,326 MOT tests)
- 2.0 diesel: 0.1 per 100 at 6 years, about average for diesel class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 26,309 MOT tests)
- 2.0 petrol: 0.1 per 100 at 6 years, about average for petrol class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 8,578 MOT tests)
How to check on a test drive
With the engine running, turn the wheel lock to lock: listen for knocks or groans and feel for play at the straight-ahead position. On the drive the car should not wander.
The most common advisory here in MOT records: Track rod end: ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt.
Check one BMW 2 Series, not the average
The figures here describe BMW 2 Series cars as a group. These free tools answer for one car. Each line says what the tool reads.
- Check a BMW 2 Series's MOT history Every MOT test, fail item, advisory and mileage reading DVSA holds for that registration.
- MOT advisory checker Paste an advisory or defect to read DVSA's wording, its grade and what tends to happen at the next MOT.
Other BMW 2 Series problems
- BMW 2 Series suspension problems
- BMW 2 Series brakes problems
- BMW 2 Series lights and electrics problems
- BMW 2 Series exhaust, emissions and leaks problems
- BMW 2 Series seat belts and airbags problems
- BMW 2 Series windscreen, wipers and mirrors problems
- BMW 2 Series tyres problems
- BMW 2 Series road wheels problems
Steering on rival models
- Ford Focus steering problems: 0.5 per 100 MOT tests at 6 years, against 0.1 for the BMW 2 Series (233,113 MOT tests)
- Honda Civic steering problems: 0.6 per 100 MOT tests at 6 years, against 0.1 for the BMW 2 Series (57,431 MOT tests)
- Mercedes-Benz CLA steering problems: 0.1 per 100 MOT tests at 6 years, against 0.1 for the BMW 2 Series (33,041 MOT tests)
Questions people ask
Does the BMW 2 Series have more steering problems than other cars?
0.1 in 100 MOT tests at 6 years, against 0.5 for all class 4 vehicles the same age: about average by our test (all test years; 79,099 MOT tests).
How common are BMW 2 Series steering problems?
0.1 in 100 MOT tests at 6 years failed on steering, against 0.5 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 79,099 MOT tests).
Sources
- Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, Anonymised MOT tests and results, 2022 to 2025. DVSA MOT data, Open Government Licence v3.0, 478,855 MOT tests. Accessed 7 Oct 2026.
Parts: against all class 4 vehicles at the same age, all 2022–2025 test years pooled, not adjusted for mileage. Breakdowns and non-MOT faults are not in this data. How we compare