1999 · 25 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1999 Mazda 323 MOT pass rate and common faults

125 MOT tests in 2024. 61.6% passed first time, compared with 63.3% for all cars the same age.

97Below average
Passed first time61.6%
Failed or needed repairs38.4%
Typical mileage at test81,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 125 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength5.6%
  2. Rear fog lamp: not working4.8%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure4.0%
    19 marked dangerous
  4. Chassis condition: or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting3.2%
  5. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn3.2%
  6. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.2%
  7. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.2%
  8. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid2.4%
  9. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.4%
  10. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault2.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension24.0%
  2. Lights & electrics21.6%
  3. Brakes20.8%
  4. Body & chassis9.6%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.0%
  6. Tyres7.2%
  7. Emissions & leaks5.6%
  8. Number plates & VIN2.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm22.4%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded15.2%
  3. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn13.6%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine13.6%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened12.0%

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: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1999 Mazda 323?

In 2024, 61.6% of 1999 Mazda 323 cars passed their MOT first time, across 125 tests. The average for all 25-year-old cars was 63.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1999 Mazda 323?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; rear fog lamp: not working; tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 1999 Mazda 323 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 97, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).