2002 · 22 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2002 Mazda MX-5 MOT pass rate and common faults

3,066 MOT tests in 2024. 64.9% passed first time, compared with 58.1% for all cars the same age.

112Well above average
Passed first time64.9%
Failed or needed repairs35.1%
Typical mileage at test83,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 3,066 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.7%
  2. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced3.6%
  3. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.3%
  4. Coil spring: fractured or broken3.1%
  5. Service brake performance: excessively binding3.0%
  6. Position lamp: not working2.8%
  7. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.7%
  8. Parking brake performance: inoperative on one side2.3%
  9. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.0%
  10. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.9%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes20.5%
  2. Lights & electrics17.0%
  3. Suspension13.9%
  4. Emissions & leaks13.0%
  5. Body & chassis7.5%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.0%
  7. Seat belts & airbags4.3%
  8. Tyres3.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine11.7%
  2. Suspension arm: corroded and seriously weakened11.1%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded9.3%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened8.8%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm7.8%

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 2002 Mazda MX-5?

In 2024, 64.9% of 2002 Mazda MX-5 cars passed their MOT first time, across 3,066 tests. The average for all 22-year-old cars was 58.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2002 Mazda MX-5?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2002 Mazda MX-5 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 112, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).