2004 · 20 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2004 Mazda MX-5 MOT pass rate and common faults

3,135 MOT tests in 2024. 64.3% passed first time, compared with 56.4% for all cars the same age.

114Well above average
Passed first time64.3%
Failed or needed repairs35.7%
Typical mileage at test78,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 3,135 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced4.8%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.6%
  3. Service brake performance: excessively binding3.2%
  4. Position lamp: not working3.2%
  5. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.0%
  6. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced2.5%
  7. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.4%
  8. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.2%
  9. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.9%
    78 marked dangerous
  10. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases1.9%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes20.5%
  2. Lights & electrics15.2%
  3. Suspension14.1%
  4. Emissions & leaks13.6%
  5. Body & chassis9.2%
  6. Seat belts & airbags5.7%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.9%
  8. Tyres4.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened11.5%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine11.3%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded10.5%
  4. Suspension arm: corroded and seriously weakened9.2%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure8.4%

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: seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced. 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 2004 Mazda MX-5?

In 2024, 64.3% of 2004 Mazda MX-5 cars passed their MOT first time, across 3,135 tests. The average for all 20-year-old cars was 56.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2004 Mazda MX-5?

The most common failure reasons were seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; service brake performance: excessively binding. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2004 Mazda MX-5 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 114, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).