1997 · 27 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1997 Mazda 323 MOT pass rate and common faults

107 MOT tests in 2024. 62.6% passed first time, compared with 65.5% for all cars the same age.

96Below average
Passed first time62.6%
Failed or needed repairs37.4%
Typical mileage at test87,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 107 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases11.2%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength8.4%
  3. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt8.4%
  4. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits6.5%
  5. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed3.7%
  6. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak3.7%
  7. Service brake imbalance: across an axle3.7%
  8. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.8%
  9. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.8%
  10. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn2.8%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Body & chassis26.2%
  2. Suspension25.2%
  3. Lights & electrics18.7%
  4. Brakes17.8%
  5. Emissions & leaks16.8%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.7%
  7. Seat belts & airbags3.7%
  8. Tyres2.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened16.8%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure15.0%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.0%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine15.0%
  5. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength11.2%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All 323 years1998 323 →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Mazda 323?

In 2024, 62.6% of 1997 Mazda 323 cars passed their MOT first time, across 107 tests. The average for all 27-year-old cars was 65.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1997 Mazda 323?

The most common failure reasons were exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. The biggest problem area was body & chassis.

Is the 1997 Mazda 323 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 96, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).