Mazda MX-5 MOT pass rate
In 2023, the Mazda MX-5 passed 73.8% of its first MOT tests, from 94,532 tests in Great Britain. That is 2.4 points above the 71.4% average for all cars, taxis and light vans.
Most common Mazda MX-5 MOT failures
The area that failed most often was suspension, affecting 9.4% of tests. The red line shows the average for all cars.
- Suspension 9.4% vs 8.9%
- Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment 8.1% vs 11.3%
- Brakes 7.9% vs 6.8%
- Noise, emissions and leaks 5.1% vs 3.1%
- Visibility 4.3% vs 4.8%
- Body, chassis, structure 3.1% vs 3.4%
- Tyres 3.0% vs 6.3%
- Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems 2.0% vs 1.0%
- Catalyst emissions 3.6% vs 0.9%
- Service brake performance 3.3% vs 1.5%
- Coil spring 3.2% vs 2.6%
- Headlamp aim 2.7% vs 3.3%
- Component mounting prescribed areas 2.4% vs 0.6%
- Wipers 2.3% vs 2.2%
- Position lamp 2.2% vs 2.8%
- Tyres: condition 2.1% vs 3.7%
Top reasons for failure
| Reason for failure | Share of tests |
|---|---|
| Coil spring: Fractured or broken | 3.2% |
| Wipers: Does not clear the windscreen effectively | 2.3% |
| Component mounting prescribed areas: Prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength | 2.2% |
| Position lamp: Not working | 2.1% |
| Service brake performance: Excessively binding | 2.1% |
| Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits | 1.9% |
| Prescribed areas: Prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced | 1.6% |
| Brake pads: Less than 1.5 mm thick | 1.5% |
| Washers: Provides insufficient washer liquid | 1.4% |
| Rbt (sp): Efficiency below requirements | 1.2% |
Mazda MX-5 pass rate by age
The pass rate changes with age: 92.3% for cars aged 3 to 5 years and 65.8% for those aged 15 years or more. Older cars usually fail more often because parts like suspension, brakes and exhausts wear with time and mileage.
- 3 to 5 years 92.3% vs 71.4%
- 6 to 9 years 87.9% vs 71.4%
- 10 to 14 years 76.8% vs 71.4%
- 15 years or more 65.8% vs 71.4%
Most common Mazda MX-5 advisories
Advisories do not fail the test, but they often become failures by the next MOT. These were noted most often:
- Brake discs 10.7%
- Tyres: condition 9.2%
- Tread depth 8.7%
- Brake pads 7.1%
- Service brake performance 5.7%
- Sub-frame 4.7%
- Engine oil leaks 4.5%
- Rigid brake pipes 4.0%
See MOT advisories explained for what to do about them.
How we worked this out
These figures come from DVSA's anonymised MOT testing data for 2023, covering every class 4 MOT test in Great Britain (cars, taxis and light vans). We count normal tests only, not retests. A test counts as a first-time pass if the vehicle passed without any repairs. Tests where defects were fixed at the test centre within an hour (PRS) count as fails, in line with DVSA's own statistics. Failure areas show the share of tests with at least one failure in that area, so the figures add up to more than the fail rate.
Other Mazda models
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Frequently asked questions
What is the MOT pass rate for the Mazda MX-5?
In 2023, 73.8% of Mazda MX-5 MOT tests were passed first time, from 94,532 tests in Great Britain. The average for all cars, taxis and light vans was 71.4%.
What is the most common MOT failure on the Mazda MX-5?
The most common failure area was suspension, which caused 9.4% of tests to fail. Next came lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment (8.1%) and brakes (7.9%).
Is the Mazda MX-5 reliable at its MOT?
Its first-time pass rate of 73.8% is 2.4 points above the average and ranks 37 of the 100 most-tested models. Age and mileage matter more than the model, so always check the history of the car you are buying.
How do I check a Mazda MX-5's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT history check. You will see every test, the mileage at each test and all failures and advisories.