Mazda Bongo MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 10,778 MOT tests on the Mazda Bongo carried out in 2023. 45% 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 Bongos passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1995 to 2021. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2002 models did best (70% passed, +12.1 points against the average for 21-year-old cars), while 2019 models fared worst (64%, −22.6 points). Tested cars had covered 131,362 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 24.1% of tests (well above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 13.8% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 10,778
- First-time pass rate
- 55%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −16.4 points
- Average mileage at test
- 131,362
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Bongo?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Bongo 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 74 | 69% | 91% | −21.9 points | 96,686 |
| 2020 | 147 | 69% | 88% | −18.9 points | 90,217 |
| 2019 | 162 | 64% | 86% | −22.6 points | 96,180 |
| 2018 | 191 | 64% | 84% | −20.4 points | 93,182 |
| 2017 | 282 | 60% | 82% | −22.1 points | 107,510 |
| 2016 | 447 | 57% | 79% | −21.1 points | 112,733 |
| 2015 | 493 | 58% | 75% | −17.9 points | 117,417 |
| 2014 | 506 | 55% | 72% | −16.9 points | 124,661 |
| 2013 | 424 | 56% | 68% | −12.6 points | 133,011 |
| 2012 | 390 | 52% | 66% | −13.3 points | 143,151 |
| 2011 | 455 | 50% | 63% | −13.3 points | 145,566 |
| 2010 | 561 | 48% | 60% | −12.7 points | 144,789 |
| 2009 | 482 | 49% | 59% | −10.2 points | 147,463 |
| 2008 | 694 | 52% | 57% | −5.6 points | 155,103 |
| 2007 | 854 | 48% | 57% | −8.5 points | 153,374 |
| 2006 | 789 | 49% | 56% | −7.1 points | 145,807 |
| 2005 | 870 | 54% | 56% | −2.5 points | 138,789 |
| 2004 | 603 | 57% | 56% | +0.9 points | 129,161 |
| 2003 | 369 | 60% | 57% | +3.8 points | 115,466 |
| 2002 | 378 | 70% | 58% | +12.1 points | 98,239 |
| 2001 | 328 | 59% | 59% | +0.8 points | 99,405 |
| 2000 | 287 | 67% | 61% | +6.3 points | 101,889 |
| 1999 | 263 | 64% | 62% | +1.0 points | 110,616 |
| 1998 | 147 | 51% | 64% | −12.9 points | 125,520 |
| 1997 | 203 | 53% | 64% | −11.3 points | 142,122 |
| 1996 | 215 | 54% | 65% | −10.8 points | 154,704 |
| 1995 | 156 | 51% | 66% | −15.2 points | 160,398 |
Why the Mazda Bongo fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Bongo | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 24.1% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 20.7% | 8.9% |
| Body and structure | 13.2% | 3.5% |
| Brakes | 11.2% | 6.8% |
| Visibility | 7.8% | 4.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 7.4% | 3.1% |
| Steering | 4.2% | 1.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 3.9% | 1.0% |
| Tyres | 3.4% | 6.3% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.4% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working13.8%
- 2prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength10.9%
- 3ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.7%
- 4corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced4.9%
- 5does not clear the windscreen effectively4.7%
- 6projected beam image is obviously incorrect4.0%
- 7ball joint excessively worn3.7%
- 8has a major leak of exhaust gases3.2%
- 9pin or bush excessively worn2.8%
- 10excessively binding2.8%
Common Bongo MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Bongo, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 14.5% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 10.7% |
| corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced | Body and structure | 9.1% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 9.1% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 9.0% |
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 8.9% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 8.2% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 6.5% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 6.2% |
| prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength | Suspension | 6.0% |
Tips to help your Bongo pass
Based on where Bongos most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 24.1% of Bongo 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 · 13.2% of Bongo 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.
Brakes · 11.2% of Bongo 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 Bongo ULEZ compliant? See the Mazda Bongo ULEZ check, or view all Mazda models.
Other Mazda models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 10,778 first MOT tests of the Mazda Bongo 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 10,778 first MOT tests of the Mazda Bongo.
What is the Mazda Bongo MOT failure rate?
In our data, 45% of 10,778 first MOT attempts on the Mazda Bongo ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Mazda Bongo fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (24.1% of tests), suspension (20.7% of tests), body and structure (13.2% of tests).
Which Bongo year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2002 cars performed best: 70% passed first time, +12.1 points against the average for 21-year-old cars. The weakest was 2019, at 64% (−22.6 points).
How many miles had a typical Mazda Bongo covered at its MOT?
The average was 131,362 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2021 cars averaged 96,686 miles and 1995 cars 160,398.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Mazda Bongo?
"leaking excessively from engine" was recorded on 14.5% of tests, in the noise, emissions and leaks area. 7.4% of Bongos failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Bongo's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 10,778 Bongos in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 48% to 70% 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 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 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
Check any Bongo's MOT history
Every test, failure, advisory and recorded mileage for a specific car. Free, from official DVSA data.