Mazda CX-5 MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 61,626 MOT tests on the Mazda CX-5 carried out in 2023. 18% failed at the first attempt, which is well below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 8 in 10 CX-5s passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2012 to 2021. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2014 models did best (75% passed, +3.7 points against the average for 9-year-old cars), while 2013 models fared worst (69%, +0.5 points). Tested cars had covered 55,654 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was suspension, found on 4.9% of tests (noticeably below the 8.9% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "less than 1.5 mm thick", on 2.6% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 61,626
- First-time pass rate
- 82%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +10.5 points
- Average mileage at test
- 55,654
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular CX-5?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
CX-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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 184 | 92% | 91% | +1.5 points | 21,925 |
| 2020 | 5,804 | 90% | 88% | +2.5 points | 23,446 |
| 2019 | 10,192 | 88% | 86% | +2.1 points | 31,889 |
| 2018 | 10,115 | 86% | 84% | +1.6 points | 41,192 |
| 2017 | 7,193 | 85% | 82% | +3.1 points | 53,006 |
| 2016 | 7,100 | 81% | 79% | +2.2 points | 63,509 |
| 2015 | 7,174 | 78% | 75% | +2.6 points | 73,290 |
| 2014 | 6,993 | 75% | 72% | +3.7 points | 81,584 |
| 2013 | 5,362 | 69% | 68% | +0.5 points | 89,724 |
| 2012 | 1,502 | 69% | 66% | +3.0 points | 91,993 |
Why the Mazda CX-5 fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | CX-5 | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 4.9% | 8.9% |
| Brakes | 4.1% | 6.8% |
| Tyres | 4.0% | 6.3% |
| Visibility | 3.2% | 4.8% |
| Lights and electrics | 3.2% | 11.3% |
| Steering | 2.1% | 1.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.3% | 3.1% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.2% | 1.0% |
| Body and structure | 0.2% | 3.5% |
| Road Wheels | 0.1% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1less than 1.5 mm thick2.6%
- 2does not clear the windscreen effectively2.3%
- 3ball joint has excessive play1.6%
- 4fractured or broken1.6%
- 5has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.5%
- 6tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.5%
- 7not working1.2%
- 8ball joint excessively worn1.2%
- 9too high0.9%
- 10inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.7%
Common CX-5 MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used CX-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 | 12.8% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 11.3% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 9.7% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 7.7% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 4.6% |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | Non-component advisories | 3.6% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 2.4% |
| Nail in tyre | Non-component advisories | 2.3% |
| significantly and obviously worn | Brakes | 2.2% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 2.1% |
Tips to help your CX-5 pass
Based on where CX-5s most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Brakes · 4.1% of CX-5 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.
Visibility · 3.2% of CX-5 tests
Clear the view
Replace wiper blades that smear, fill the washer bottle and get chips in the windscreen repaired early, especially in the area directly in front of the driver.
Compare with other models
Is the CX-5 ULEZ compliant? See the Mazda CX-5 ULEZ check, or view all Mazda models.
Other Mazda models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 61,626 first MOT tests of the Mazda CX-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 61,626 first MOT tests of the Mazda CX-5.
What is the Mazda CX-5 MOT failure rate?
In our data, 18% of 61,626 first MOT attempts on the Mazda CX-5 ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Mazda CX-5 fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were suspension (4.9% of tests), brakes (4.1% of tests), tyres (4.0% of tests).
Which CX-5 year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2014 cars performed best: 75% passed first time, +3.7 points against the average for 9-year-old cars. The weakest was 2013, at 69% (+0.5 points).
How many miles had a typical Mazda CX-5 covered at its MOT?
The average was 55,654 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2021 cars averaged 21,925 miles and 2012 cars 91,993.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Mazda CX-5?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 12.8% of tests, in the tyres area. 4.0% of CX-5s failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific CX-5's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 61,626 CX-5s in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 69% to 92% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
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- MOT · 4 min readTyre tread depth and the MOT: the legal limit and how to check6.3% of cars failed their 2023 MOT on tyres. The 1.6mm legal limit, what testers look for beyond tread, and a one-minute check with a 20p coin.Read the guide
Check any CX-5's MOT history
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