1999 · 25 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1999 Mazda MX-5 MOT pass rate and common faults

2,652 MOT tests in 2024. 63.6% passed first time, compared with 63.3% for all cars the same age.

101About average
Passed first time63.6%
Failed or needed repairs36.4%
Typical mileage at test91,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,652 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.4%
  2. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits4.4%
  3. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced3.8%
  4. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits3.5%
  5. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.2%
  6. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.8%
  7. Coil spring: fractured or broken2.6%
  8. Parking brake performance: inoperative on one side2.6%
  9. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.4%
  10. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics22.7%
  2. Brakes21.0%
  3. Emissions & leaks20.4%
  4. Suspension12.7%
  5. Body & chassis6.6%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.9%
  7. Seat belts & airbags4.6%
  8. Tyres3.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine13.3%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded10.6%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened8.2%
  4. Suspension arm: corroded and seriously weakened8.2%
  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: 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 1999 Mazda MX-5?

In 2024, 63.6% of 1999 Mazda MX-5 cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,652 tests. The average for all 25-year-old cars was 63.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1999 Mazda MX-5?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits; seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1999 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).