2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Mazda 323 MOT pass rate and common faults

224 MOT tests in 2024. 52.7% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

92Below average
Passed first time52.7%
Failed or needed repairs47.3%
Typical mileage at test70,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 224 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength16.5%
  2. Service brake performance: excessively binding8.0%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick6.3%
    18 marked dangerous
  4. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced4.9%
  5. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced4.0%
  6. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction4.0%
  7. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault3.6%
  8. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.6%
  9. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.1%
  10. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn3.1%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension33.0%
  2. Brakes29.0%
  3. Lights & electrics18.8%
  4. Body & chassis11.2%
  5. Emissions & leaks6.7%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.7%
  7. Seat belts & airbags4.9%
  8. Tyres4.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm17.4%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine16.5%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick11.2%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure11.2%
  5. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn8.5%

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 2003 Mazda 323?

In 2024, 52.7% of 2003 Mazda 323 cars passed their MOT first time, across 224 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Mazda 323?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; service brake performance: excessively binding; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2003 Mazda 323 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 92, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).