2005 · 19 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2005 Mazda MX-5 MOT pass rate and common faults

3,216 MOT tests in 2024. 62.9% passed first time, compared with 56.5% for all cars the same age.

111Well above average
Passed first time62.9%
Failed or needed repairs37.1%
Typical mileage at test74,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 3,216 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength5.5%
  2. Service brake performance: excessively binding4.0%
  3. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced3.9%
  4. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.1%
  5. Position lamp: not working2.8%
  6. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.1%
  7. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.1%
  8. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.9%
    79 marked dangerous
  9. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.8%
  10. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases1.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes17.8%
  2. Suspension17.3%
  3. Lights & electrics16.5%
  4. Emissions & leaks13.2%
  5. Body & chassis8.1%
  6. Seat belts & airbags4.9%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.4%
  8. Tyres3.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened10.1%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.3%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine8.2%
  4. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded8.1%
  5. Suspension arm: corroded and seriously weakened7.7%

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 2005 Mazda MX-5?

In 2024, 62.9% of 2005 Mazda MX-5 cars passed their MOT first time, across 3,216 tests. The average for all 19-year-old cars was 56.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2005 Mazda MX-5?

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

Is the 2005 Mazda MX-5 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 111, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).