Mazda 5 MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 12,356 MOT tests on the Mazda 5 carried out in 2023. 47% failed at the first attempt, which is well above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 5 in 10 5s passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2005 to 2015. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2013 models did best (64% passed, −4.3 points against the average for 10-year-old cars), while 2007 models fared worst (44%, −12.5 points). Tested cars had covered 101,213 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was suspension, found on 24.2% of tests (well above the 8.9% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "ball joint excessively worn", on 11.3% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 12,356
- First-time pass rate
- 53%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −18.6 points
- Average mileage at test
- 101,213
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular 5?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
5 MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 701 | 71% | 75% | −4.9 points | 68,853 |
| 2014 | 587 | 66% | 72% | −5.6 points | 78,796 |
| 2013 | 778 | 64% | 68% | −4.3 points | 85,958 |
| 2012 | 837 | 61% | 66% | −4.6 points | 93,340 |
| 2011 | 864 | 58% | 63% | −4.5 points | 97,946 |
| 2010 | 1,576 | 53% | 60% | −7.5 points | 99,347 |
| 2009 | 1,518 | 49% | 59% | −10.1 points | 101,529 |
| 2008 | 2,317 | 48% | 57% | −9.5 points | 109,319 |
| 2007 | 2,010 | 44% | 57% | −12.5 points | 114,974 |
| 2006 | 901 | 47% | 56% | −9.5 points | 113,470 |
| 2005 | 238 | 46% | 56% | −10.4 points | 111,207 |
Why the Mazda 5 fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | 5 | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 24.2% | 8.9% |
| Lights and electrics | 20.0% | 11.3% |
| Body and structure | 10.6% | 3.5% |
| Tyres | 10.4% | 6.3% |
| Brakes | 10.4% | 6.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 9.8% | 3.1% |
| Visibility | 6.8% | 4.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 2.1% | 1.0% |
| Steering | 1.5% | 1.8% |
| Road Wheels | 0.8% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1ball joint excessively worn11.3%
- 2not working10.1%
- 3pin or bush excessively worn5.9%
- 4ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.7%
- 5less than 1.5 mm thick4.3%
- 6constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.3%
- 7has a major leak of exhaust gases4.1%
- 8Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.9%
- 9tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.7%
- 10has a serious fluid leak3.6%
Common 5 MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used 5, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 22.9% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 15.3% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 14.5% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 14.2% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 13.7% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 12.9% |
| has a major leak of exhaust gases | Body and structure | 8.1% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 7.5% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 6.3% |
| has a serious fluid leak | Suspension | 6.2% |
Tips to help your 5 pass
Based on where 5s most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 20.0% of 5 tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Body and structure · 10.6% of 5 tests
Look underneath for corrosion
On older cars, check sills, subframe mounts and brake pipes for rust. Surface rust is common, but corrosion on structural or brake parts is a fail.
Compare with other models
Is the 5 ULEZ compliant? See the Mazda 5 ULEZ check, or view all Mazda models.
Other Mazda models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 12,356 first MOT tests of the Mazda 5 carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 12,356 first MOT tests of the Mazda 5.
What is the Mazda 5 MOT failure rate?
In our data, 47% of 12,356 first MOT attempts on the Mazda 5 ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Mazda 5 fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were suspension (24.2% of tests), lights and electrics (20.0% of tests), body and structure (10.6% of tests).
Which 5 year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2013 cars performed best: 64% passed first time, −4.3 points against the average for 10-year-old cars. The weakest was 2007, at 44% (−12.5 points).
How many miles had a typical Mazda 5 covered at its MOT?
The average was 101,213 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2015 cars averaged 68,853 miles and 2005 cars 111,207.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Mazda 5?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 22.9% of tests, in the tyres area. 10.4% of 5s failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific 5's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 12,356 5s in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 44% to 71% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readMOT advisories explained: what they mean and what to fix firstHalf of all cars tested in 2023 left with at least one advisory. They don't fail the MOT, but they're the tester's warning of what's coming next.Read the guide
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