1996 · 28 years old at test · Diesel mostly

1996 Mazda Bongo MOT pass rate and common faults

199 MOT tests in 2024. 49.3% passed first time, compared with 66.2% for all cars the same age.

74Well below average
Passed first time49.3%
Failed or needed repairs50.8%
Typical mileage at test148,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 199 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength11.1%
  2. Rear fog lamp: not working10.1%
  3. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively7.5%
  4. Service brake performance: excessively binding5.5%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases5.0%
  6. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced4.0%
  7. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn4.0%
  8. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.0%
  9. Chassis condition: or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting3.5%
  10. Horn: not working3.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics43.7%
  2. Suspension38.7%
  3. Body & chassis28.1%
  4. Brakes17.1%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)15.1%
  6. Steering7.0%
  7. Seat belts & airbags6.0%
  8. Tyres5.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine26.1%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened12.6%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure12.6%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick12.1%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded11.6%

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.

← 1995 BongoAll Bongo years1997 Bongo →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1996 Mazda Bongo?

In 2024, 49.3% of 1996 Mazda Bongo cars passed their MOT first time, across 199 tests. The average for all 28-year-old cars was 66.2%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1996 Mazda Bongo?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; rear fog lamp: not working; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1996 Mazda Bongo reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 74, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).