2001 · 23 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2001 Mazda 323 MOT pass rate and common faults

120 MOT tests in 2024. 51.7% passed first time, compared with 59.4% for all cars the same age.

87Well below average
Passed first time51.7%
Failed or needed repairs48.3%
Typical mileage at test77,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 120 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength7.5%
  2. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn5.0%
  3. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed5.0%
    7 marked dangerous
  4. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.2%
  5. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction4.2%
  6. Stop lamp: not working4.2%
  7. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak4.2%
  8. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps3.3%
  9. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.3%
  10. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.3%
    4 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension32.5%
  2. Lights & electrics24.2%
  3. Brakes13.3%
  4. Tyres11.7%
  5. Body & chassis11.7%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)9.2%
  7. Emissions & leaks6.7%
  8. Seat belts & airbags5.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm22.5%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine22.5%
  3. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak18.3%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure14.2%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn13.3%

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 2001 Mazda 323?

In 2024, 51.7% of 2001 Mazda 323 cars passed their MOT first time, across 120 tests. The average for all 23-year-old cars was 59.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2001 Mazda 323?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn; tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2001 Mazda 323 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 87, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).