Mazda MX-5 MOT Data
Pass rate, failures & statistics from 169,043 tests
81.5%
Good
Reliability Verdict
#397
of 605 models
34.2%
Better than X% of cars
-0.8%
vs National Average
Common MOT Failures
Suspension136,979
Brakes110,616
Tyres79,199
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment63,568
Body, chassis, structure28,295
Noise, emissions and leaks25,557
Visibility22,026
Steering13,331
Number of failure items recorded across all MOT tests
Mileage Distribution
0–30K miles30,766
30–60K miles55,480
60–90K miles41,720
90–120K miles25,373
120K+ miles15,704
How It Compares
| Model | Pass Rate |
|---|---|
| Mazda MX-5 | 81.5% |
Mazda MX-5 — MOT Overview
Based on 169,043 MOT tests, the Mazda MX-5 has an overall pass rate of 81.5%. This is below the national average of 82.3%, making it rank #397 out of 605 models tested.
The most common failure reasons for the Mazda MX-5 are suspension, brakes, tyres. Suspension accounts for 82.3% of all failure items recorded.
Before your Mazda MX-5's MOT, check your lights, tyres (minimum 1.6mm tread depth), brakes, windscreen, and dashboard warning lights. These are the most commonly failed items across all vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mazda MX-5 MOT pass rate?▼
The Mazda MX-5 has an overall MOT pass rate of 81.5% based on 169,043 tests. This puts it at #397 out of 605 car models tested.
What are the most common Mazda MX-5 MOT failures?▼
The most common failure items are: Suspension (82.3%), Brakes (66.4%), Tyres (47.6%), Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment (38.2%), Body, chassis, structure (17%).
Is the Mazda MX-5 reliable?▼
The Mazda MX-5 is rated "Good" for MOT reliability, with a pass rate of 81.5% — 0.8 percentage points below the national average. MOT pass rate is one indicator of reliability, alongside owner reviews and recall history.
How much does an MOT cost for a Mazda MX-5?▼
The maximum MOT fee for a Mazda MX-5 (Class 4) is £54.85, set by the DVSA. Many garages charge less — you can typically find MOTs for £25–£40. The test itself takes 45–60 minutes.