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MAZDA MX-5 MOT Pass Rate

77.3% of 27,693 MAZDA MX-5 MOT tests pass.

The MX-5 has a pass rate of 77.3%, a little higher than the average across all MAZDA models (76.3%).

At 77.3%, The MAZDA MX-5 passes slightly less often than the national average for cars (78.3%).

Pass rate by vehicle age

Pass rate drops sharply with age: the MAZDA MX-5 tested at 3–6 years pass 95.8% of the time, compared with just 70.7% at 15+ years.

Pass rate by vehicle age band0–3 yearsn/a3–6 years95.8%6–10 years90.9%10–15 years81.4%15+ years70.7%
MAZDA MX-5 pass rate and average mileage by vehicle age band
Vehicle agePass rateTestsAverage mileage
0–3 yearstoo few tests (17)17no reading
3–6 years95.8%1,50622,771 miles
6–10 years90.9%4,30737,032 miles
10–15 years81.4%5,36855,539 miles
15+ years70.7%16,49585,705 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 50.2% of failed tests, most often logged as "prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength".

Top MOT failure categories for the MAZDA MX-5
CategoryShare of failed testsExample
Suspension50.2%prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength
Brakes42.0%excessively binding
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment39.2%not working
Noise, emissions and leaks22.1%Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits
Body, chassis, structure17.2%corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced
Visibility13.7%does not clear the windscreen effectively
Tyres13.0%tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems9.7%prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced
Steering3.7%gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt
Identification of the vehicle1.3%does not conform to the specified requirements

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