Mazda MX-5 MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 95,463 MOT tests on the Mazda MX-5 carried out in 2023. 26% failed at the first attempt, which is slightly below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 7 in 10 MX-5s passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1990 to 2020. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2010 models did best (75% passed, +14.9 points against the average for 13-year-old cars), while 1991 models fared worst (68%, −1.5 points). Tested cars had covered 63,361 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was suspension, found on 9.3% of tests (roughly in line with the 8.9% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 3.5% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 95,463
- First-time pass rate
- 74%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +2.5 points
- Average mileage at test
- 63,361
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular MX-5?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
MX-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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1,065 | 95% | 88% | +6.9 points | 12,945 |
| 2019 | 4,069 | 94% | 86% | +7.5 points | 17,300 |
| 2018 | 4,267 | 91% | 84% | +6.6 points | 22,030 |
| 2017 | 4,552 | 91% | 82% | +9.0 points | 26,905 |
| 2016 | 4,100 | 88% | 79% | +9.7 points | 32,901 |
| 2015 | 2,968 | 87% | 75% | +11.8 points | 36,554 |
| 2014 | 2,860 | 83% | 72% | +11.8 points | 38,460 |
| 2013 | 3,094 | 81% | 68% | +12.9 points | 44,583 |
| 2012 | 3,099 | 80% | 66% | +14.6 points | 47,615 |
| 2011 | 3,426 | 76% | 63% | +13.2 points | 52,548 |
| 2010 | 4,697 | 75% | 60% | +14.9 points | 57,624 |
| 2009 | 4,234 | 73% | 59% | +14.4 points | 63,402 |
| 2008 | 5,507 | 70% | 57% | +12.5 points | 68,361 |
| 2007 | 7,885 | 69% | 57% | +12.4 points | 73,306 |
| 2006 | 6,769 | 65% | 56% | +9.2 points | 76,486 |
| 2005 | 3,604 | 64% | 56% | +7.4 points | 77,014 |
| 2004 | 3,702 | 63% | 56% | +6.6 points | 80,196 |
| 2003 | 4,650 | 62% | 57% | +5.6 points | 81,149 |
| 2002 | 3,600 | 66% | 58% | +8.6 points | 86,312 |
| 2001 | 2,176 | 65% | 59% | +6.4 points | 91,452 |
| 2000 | 3,072 | 61% | 61% | +0.9 points | 93,415 |
| 1999 | 3,104 | 65% | 62% | +2.5 points | 94,138 |
| 1998 | 2,788 | 66% | 64% | +2.2 points | 96,264 |
| 1997 | 1,964 | 66% | 64% | +2.0 points | 95,878 |
| 1996 | 1,168 | 65% | 65% | +0.1 points | 93,464 |
| 1995 | 729 | 66% | 66% | −0.8 points | 93,211 |
| 1994 | 399 | 70% | 66% | +3.3 points | 103,538 |
| 1993 | 357 | 66% | 67% | −0.4 points | 107,046 |
| 1992 | 382 | 67% | 68% | −1.3 points | 110,120 |
| 1991 | 601 | 68% | 70% | −1.5 points | 106,017 |
| 1990 | 516 | 70% | 71% | −1.4 points | 108,228 |
Why the Mazda MX-5 fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | MX-5 | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 9.3% | 8.9% |
| Lights and electrics | 8.0% | 11.3% |
| Brakes | 7.9% | 6.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 5.1% | 3.1% |
| Visibility | 4.3% | 4.8% |
| Body and structure | 3.1% | 3.5% |
| Tyres | 3.0% | 6.3% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 2.0% | 1.0% |
| Steering | 0.8% | 1.8% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.4% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working3.5%
- 2fractured or broken3.2%
- 3excessively binding2.5%
- 4prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.5%
- 5does not clear the windscreen effectively2.3%
- 6Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits1.9%
- 7prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced1.6%
- 8less than 1.5 mm thick1.5%
- 9efficiency below requirements1.5%
- 10provides insufficient washer liquid1.4%
Common MX-5 MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used MX-5, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 10.0% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 7.9% |
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 7.7% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 7.3% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 7.0% |
| excessively binding | Brakes | 4.7% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 4.4% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 4.0% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 3.7% |
| corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced | Body and structure | 3.5% |
Tips to help your MX-5 pass
Based on where MX-5s most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 8.0% of MX-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.
Brakes · 7.9% of MX-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.
Compare with other models
Is the MX-5 ULEZ compliant? See the Mazda MX-5 ULEZ check, or view all Mazda models.
Other Mazda models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 95,463 first MOT tests of the Mazda MX-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 95,463 first MOT tests of the Mazda MX-5.
What is the Mazda MX-5 MOT failure rate?
In our data, 26% of 95,463 first MOT attempts on the Mazda MX-5 ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Mazda MX-5 fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were suspension (9.3% of tests), lights and electrics (8.0% of tests), brakes (7.9% of tests).
Which MX-5 year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2010 cars performed best: 75% passed first time, +14.9 points against the average for 13-year-old cars. The weakest was 1991, at 68% (−1.5 points).
How many miles had a typical Mazda MX-5 covered at its MOT?
The average was 63,361 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2020 cars averaged 12,945 miles and 1990 cars 108,228.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Mazda MX-5?
"in such a condition that it is seriously weakened" was recorded on 10.0% of tests, in the brakes area. 7.9% of MX-5s failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific MX-5's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 95,463 MX-5s in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 61% to 95% 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 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
Check any MX-5's MOT history
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