2002 · 22 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2002 Mazda 323 MOT pass rate and common faults

174 MOT tests in 2024. 51.1% passed first time, compared with 58.1% for all cars the same age.

88Well below average
Passed first time51.1%
Failed or needed repairs48.9%
Typical mileage at test71,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 174 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength9.8%
  2. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively5.2%
  3. Service brake performance: excessively binding4.6%
  4. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault4.6%
  5. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.6%
  6. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick4.0%
    11 marked dangerous
  7. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced4.0%
  8. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure3.4%
    8 marked dangerous
  9. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn3.4%
  10. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.9%
    7 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes29.3%
  2. Suspension28.7%
  3. Lights & electrics22.4%
  4. Body & chassis15.5%
  5. Tyres9.2%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.0%
  7. Emissions & leaks5.2%
  8. Seat belts & airbags2.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine15.5%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm14.4%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure12.6%
  4. Registration plates: inscription illegible10.3%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened8.6%

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 2002 Mazda 323?

In 2024, 51.1% of 2002 Mazda 323 cars passed their MOT first time, across 174 tests. The average for all 22-year-old cars was 58.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2002 Mazda 323?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; service brake performance: excessively binding. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2002 Mazda 323 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 88, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).