Mazda 6 MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 67,379 MOT tests on the Mazda 6 carried out in 2023. 30% failed at the first attempt, which is roughly in line with the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 7 in 10 6s passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2002 to 2020. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2020 models did best (92% passed, +4.2 points against the average for 3-year-old cars), while 2005 models fared worst (48%, −7.9 points). Tested cars had covered 88,254 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 10.8% of tests (roughly in line with the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 5.4% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 67,379
- First-time pass rate
- 70%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −1.3 points
- Average mileage at test
- 88,254
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular 6?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
6 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1,055 | 92% | 88% | +4.2 points | 24,683 |
| 2019 | 4,465 | 90% | 86% | +3.6 points | 35,632 |
| 2018 | 3,270 | 86% | 84% | +1.9 points | 46,456 |
| 2017 | 4,756 | 82% | 82% | +0.4 points | 59,626 |
| 2016 | 7,002 | 78% | 79% | −0.1 points | 70,157 |
| 2015 | 6,838 | 77% | 75% | +1.3 points | 81,253 |
| 2014 | 6,521 | 74% | 72% | +2.0 points | 91,193 |
| 2013 | 4,425 | 70% | 68% | +2.0 points | 96,636 |
| 2012 | 3,107 | 65% | 66% | −0.4 points | 98,578 |
| 2011 | 4,515 | 61% | 63% | −2.3 points | 110,831 |
| 2010 | 5,840 | 61% | 60% | +0.8 points | 117,094 |
| 2009 | 4,699 | 60% | 59% | +1.0 points | 119,543 |
| 2008 | 4,227 | 54% | 57% | −3.5 points | 121,904 |
| 2007 | 2,942 | 53% | 57% | −3.9 points | 106,794 |
| 2006 | 1,740 | 53% | 56% | −3.2 points | 103,803 |
| 2005 | 1,084 | 48% | 56% | −7.9 points | 99,706 |
| 2004 | 496 | 51% | 56% | −4.8 points | 97,274 |
| 2003 | 269 | 55% | 57% | −2.0 points | 100,235 |
| 2002 | 103 | 50% | 58% | −7.0 points | 100,237 |
Why the Mazda 6 fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | 6 | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 10.8% | 11.3% |
| Brakes | 10.2% | 6.8% |
| Suspension | 9.9% | 8.9% |
| Tyres | 6.0% | 6.3% |
| Visibility | 4.1% | 4.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.0% | 3.1% |
| Body and structure | 2.0% | 3.5% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 1.1% | 1.0% |
| Steering | 0.8% | 1.8% |
| Road Wheels | 0.4% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working5.4%
- 2efficiency below requirements3.0%
- 3less than 1.5 mm thick3.0%
- 4ball joint excessively worn2.5%
- 5ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.4%
- 6tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.3%
- 7does not clear the windscreen effectively2.2%
- 8fractured or broken2.1%
- 9excessively binding1.7%
- 10projected beam image is obviously incorrect1.5%
Common 6 MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used 6, 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 | 16.7% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 12.6% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 11.2% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 9.0% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 7.6% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 6.4% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 5.4% |
| excessively binding | Brakes | 3.1% |
| prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength | Suspension | 3.0% |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | Non-component advisories | 2.6% |
Tips to help your 6 pass
Based on where 6s most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 10.8% of 6 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.
Brakes · 10.2% of 6 tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Compare with other models
Is the 6 ULEZ compliant? See the Mazda 6 ULEZ check, or view all Mazda models.
Other Mazda models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 67,379 first MOT tests of the Mazda 6 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 67,379 first MOT tests of the Mazda 6.
What is the Mazda 6 MOT failure rate?
In our data, 30% of 67,379 first MOT attempts on the Mazda 6 ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Mazda 6 fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (10.8% of tests), brakes (10.2% of tests), suspension (9.9% of tests).
Which 6 year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2020 cars performed best: 92% passed first time, +4.2 points against the average for 3-year-old cars. The weakest was 2005, at 48% (−7.9 points).
How many miles had a typical Mazda 6 covered at its MOT?
The average was 88,254 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2020 cars averaged 24,683 miles and 2002 cars 100,237.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Mazda 6?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 16.7% of tests, in the tyres area. 6.0% of 6s failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific 6's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 67,379 6s in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 48% to 92% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- 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 readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.Read the guide
- 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
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