2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Mazda Bongo MOT pass rate and common faults

325 MOT tests in 2024. 62.5% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

109Well above average
Passed first time62.5%
Failed or needed repairs37.5%
Typical mileage at test104,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 325 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength10.2%
  2. Rear fog lamp: not working5.5%
  3. Position lamp: not working4.0%
  4. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced3.1%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick3.1%
    25 marked dangerous
  6. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.8%
  7. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.8%
  8. Stop lamp: not working2.8%
  9. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.5%
  10. Chassis condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced2.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics35.1%
  2. Suspension27.1%
  3. Brakes15.1%
  4. Body & chassis14.8%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.8%
  6. Emissions & leaks5.8%
  7. Steering3.7%
  8. Seat belts & airbags3.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine12.0%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure8.9%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened8.6%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm6.8%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick5.5%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. 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 Bongo?

In 2024, 62.5% of 2003 Mazda Bongo cars passed their MOT first time, across 325 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 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; position lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 Mazda Bongo reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 109, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).