1998 · 26 years old at test · Diesel mostly

1998 Mazda Bongo MOT pass rate and common faults

133 MOT tests in 2024. 51.1% passed first time, compared with 64.9% for all cars the same age.

79Well below average
Passed first time51.1%
Failed or needed repairs48.9%
Typical mileage at test120,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 133 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength9.8%
  2. Rear fog lamp: does not emit a steady red light6.0%
  3. Suspension arms - ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt6.0%
  4. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively6.0%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases4.5%
  6. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed3.8%
  7. Position lamp: not working3.8%
  8. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.8%
  9. Rear fog lamp: not working3.0%
  10. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.0%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics41.4%
  2. Suspension31.6%
  3. Body & chassis15.8%
  4. Emissions & leaks15.8%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)12.0%
  6. Brakes9.8%
  7. Steering5.3%
  8. Tyres1.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened13.5%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine11.3%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm9.8%
  4. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened8.3%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded6.8%

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: 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 1998 Mazda Bongo?

In 2024, 51.1% of 1998 Mazda Bongo cars passed their MOT first time, across 133 tests. The average for all 26-year-old cars was 64.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1998 Mazda Bongo?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; rear fog lamp: does not emit a steady red light; suspension arms - ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1998 Mazda Bongo reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 79, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).