MAZDA MX-5 MOT pass rate
78.9% of 155,573 MAZDA MX-5 MOT tests pass.
The MX-5's pass rate of 78.9% is in line with the average across all MAZDA models, at 77.9%.
The MAZDA MX-5's pass rate of 78.9% is in line with the national average for cars, at 79.2%.
Own this MAZDA MX-5?
This is the average across every MAZDA MX-5 in the dataset. Look up your own registration for its actual MOT history, and a free place to keep its maintenance records.
How to check and keep your MAZDA’s service history →
Pass rate by vehicle age
Pass rate drops sharply with age: the MAZDA MX-5 tested at 0–3 years pass 95.6% of the time, compared with just 71.9% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | 95.6% | 951 | 13,381 miles |
| 3–6 years | 94.6% | 13,265 | 22,622 miles |
| 6–10 years | 91.3% | 24,465 | 35,047 miles |
| 10–15 years | 82.1% | 27,449 | 54,733 miles |
| 15+ years | 71.9% | 89,443 | 85,672 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the MAZDA MX-5
The most common reason the MAZDA MX-5 fails its MOT is suspension — present in 46.9% of failed tests, most often logged as "Prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 46.9% | Prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength |
| Brakes | 41.9% | Excessively binding |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 41.2% | Not working |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 24.1% | Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits |
| Body, chassis, structure | 16.9% | Corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced |
| Visibility | 15.0% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Tyres | 12.8% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 9.5% | Prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced |
| Steering | 3.7% | Gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Identification of the vehicle | 1.7% | Does not conform to the specified requirements |
Related MAZDA models
- MAZDA 2 — 75.2% pass rate
- MAZDA 3 — 74.5% pass rate
- MAZDA CX-5 — 85.9% pass rate
- MAZDA 6 — 75.4% pass rate
- MAZDA CX-3 — 89.1% pass rate
- MAZDA CX-30 — 94.3% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the MAZDA MX-5?
- 78.9% of MAZDA MX-5 MOT tests pass, based on 155,573 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the MAZDA MX-5?
- The most common reason the MAZDA MX-5 fails its MOT is suspension — present in 46.9% of failed tests, most often logged as "Prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength".
- Does this show the MAZDA MX-5's service history?
- No — this is MOT test data, which covers roadworthiness, not servicing. A service history is a separate record of maintenance work, which a specific car only has if its owner has kept it. See the MAZDA service history guide for how to check and keep one.