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Mazda MX-5 Common Problems, Faults & Repair Costs (2026)

Based on official DVSA MOT test data. View the most common MOT failure categories, pass rates, and estimated repair costs for the Mazda MX-5 (1998–present).

MOT Pass Rate

85.5%3.5% above national avg (82%)

Reliability rating: Excellent — based on approx. 22,000 tests

Dangerous Defects

1.20%

Moderate risk

Retest Rate

10.0%

of failed tests need a retest

Top MOT Failure Categories

1

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment

Est. repair: £40–£200

13.5%
2

Suspension

Est. repair: £120–£450

12.0%
3

Brakes

Est. repair: £100–£350

10.0%
4

Tyres

Est. repair: £50–£120 per tyre

9.5%
5

Exhaust, fuel and emissions

Est. repair: £40–£200

6.8%

Where Faults Occur

30.0%

Front

27.0%

Rear

20.0%

Offside

Mileage Benchmarks

At 3 years

14,000 mi

At 5 years

24,000 mi

At 10 years

45,000 mi

Significantly higher or lower mileage than these benchmarks may indicate unusual usage patterns. Check the full MOT history for mileage consistency.

Is a Mazda MX-5 a Good Buy?

The Mazda MX-5 demonstrates above-average reliability based on MOT test data, with a 85.5% pass rate. This places it 3.5% above the national average, suggesting lower ongoing maintenance costs compared to many competitors.

While no car is without faults, lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues are the most common concern, affecting approximately 13.5% of failed tests. These tend to be relatively affordable to fix at £30–£150.

Mazda MX-5 MOT Check & History

View detailed MOT pass rates by year, mileage benchmarks, and full test history data for the Mazda MX-5.

View Mazda MX-5 MOT Data

Check a Specific Mazda MX-5

Enter a registration number to view the full MOT history for any Mazda MX-5.

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Other Mazda Models

Mazda CX-5

84.8%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Mazda 3

83.2%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Mazda 2

83.8%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Mazda 6

80.8%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Mazda CX-3

84.2%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Mazda CX-30

87.2%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

View all Mazda models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common MOT faults on a Mazda MX-5?
The top MOT failure on the Mazda MX-5 is Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, accounting for approximately 13.5% of all failures. Other common issues include suspension and brakes.
What is the Mazda MX-5 MOT pass rate?
The Mazda MX-5 has an estimated MOT pass rate of 85.5%, which is 3.5% above the national average of 82%. This rates the Mazda MX-5 as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
Is the Mazda MX-5 reliable?
Based on DVSA MOT data, the Mazda MX-5 has a excellent reliability record with a 85.5% pass rate. It has a dangerous defect rate of 1.20% and a retest rate of 10.0%.
How much does it cost to fix common Mazda MX-5 MOT failures?
Typical repair costs for Mazda MX-5 MOT failures range from £30–£200 for lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues to £120–£450 for suspension problems. Prices are estimates based on typical UK independent garage rates.
What mileage should a Mazda MX-5 have?
Based on MOT test data, the average Mazda MX-5 covers approximately 14,000 mi by 3 years, 24,000 mi by 5 years, and 45,000 mi by 10 years. Significantly higher or lower mileage may warrant closer inspection.
Should I buy a used Mazda MX-5?
The Mazda MX-5 is generally a solid choice based on MOT data. Check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before purchasing, paying particular attention to lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues and mileage consistency.
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