1997 · 27 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1997 Mazda MX-5 MOT pass rate and common faults

1,768 MOT tests in 2024. 66.3% passed first time, compared with 65.5% for all cars the same age.

101About average
Passed first time66.3%
Failed or needed repairs33.7%
Typical mileage at test94,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,768 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.8%
  2. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced4.3%
  3. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements4.1%
  4. Parking brake performance: inoperative on one side3.1%
  5. Coil spring: fractured or broken2.8%
  6. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.6%
  7. Service brake imbalance: across an axle2.5%
  8. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.5%
  9. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.3%
  10. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits2.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes22.7%
  2. Lights & electrics19.3%
  3. Emissions & leaks16.3%
  4. Suspension12.6%
  5. Body & chassis7.1%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.4%
  7. Seat belts & airbags5.2%
  8. Tyres2.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine15.2%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded11.4%
  3. Suspension arm: corroded and seriously weakened7.8%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened7.7%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm6.2%

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: catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. 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 1997 Mazda MX-5?

In 2024, 66.3% of 1997 Mazda MX-5 cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,768 tests. The average for all 27-year-old cars was 65.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1997 Mazda MX-5?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced; rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 1997 Mazda MX-5 reliable at MOT time?

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