2002 · 22 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2002 Mazda B Series MOT pass rate and common faults

225 MOT tests in 2024. 54.7% passed first time, compared with 58.1% for all cars the same age.

94Below average
Passed first time54.7%
Failed or needed repairs45.3%
Typical mileage at test122,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 225 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rear fog lamp: not working8.0%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt6.2%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded4.9%
  4. Chassis condition: or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting4.4%
  5. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.4%
  6. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm4.0%
    13 marked dangerous
  7. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively4.0%
  8. Position lamp: not working3.6%
  9. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases2.7%
  10. Headlamp aim: too low2.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics36.4%
  2. Body & chassis23.6%
  3. Suspension17.8%
  4. Brakes16.0%
  5. Tyres8.0%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.0%
  7. Steering6.7%
  8. Emissions & leaks3.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded25.3%
  2. Wheel bearings: has excessive play18.7%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm13.8%
  4. Chassis condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced10.2%
  5. Registration plates: inscription illegible9.8%

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: rear fog lamp: not working. 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 B Series?

In 2024, 54.7% of 2002 Mazda B Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 225 tests. The average for all 22-year-old cars was 58.1%.

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

The most common failure reasons were rear fog lamp: not working; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2002 Mazda B Series reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 94, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).