2003 · 21 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2003 Mazda B Series MOT pass rate and common faults

240 MOT tests in 2024. 57.9% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

101About average
Passed first time57.9%
Failed or needed repairs42.1%
Typical mileage at test117,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 240 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rear fog lamp: not working7.1%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded5.4%
  3. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.0%
  4. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.8%
  5. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.3%
  6. Chassis condition: or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting3.3%
  7. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.9%
  8. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam2.5%
  9. Position lamp: not working2.5%
  10. Headlamp aim: too low2.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics41.3%
  2. Brakes22.5%
  3. Body & chassis21.3%
  4. Suspension17.1%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)9.2%
  6. Emissions & leaks5.0%
  7. Tyres4.6%
  8. Steering3.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded29.6%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm13.8%
  3. Chassis condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced11.3%
  4. Registration plates: inscription illegible10.0%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure7.9%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. 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 2003 Mazda B Series?

In 2024, 57.9% of 2003 Mazda B Series cars passed their MOT first time, across 240 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

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

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

Is the 2003 Mazda B Series reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 101, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).