2007 · 17 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2007 Mazda MX-5 MOT pass rate and common faults

7,522 MOT tests in 2024. 70.0% passed first time, compared with 56.9% for all cars the same age.

123Well above average
Passed first time70.0%
Failed or needed repairs30.0%
Typical mileage at test73,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 7,522 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken5.0%
  2. Service brake performance: excessively binding3.7%
  3. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.1%
  4. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.9%
  5. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.5%
  6. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits1.5%
  7. Position lamp: not working1.5%
  8. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.3%
  9. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.3%
    118 marked dangerous
  10. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases1.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension17.5%
  2. Lights & electrics10.9%
  3. Brakes10.6%
  4. Emissions & leaks6.3%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.0%
  6. Body & chassis4.1%
  7. Tyres3.5%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened10.4%
  2. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened9.9%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure8.9%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm8.7%
  5. Service brake performance: excessively binding6.8%

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: coil spring: fractured or broken. 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 2007 Mazda MX-5?

In 2024, 70.0% of 2007 Mazda MX-5 cars passed their MOT first time, across 7,522 tests. The average for all 17-year-old cars was 56.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2007 Mazda MX-5?

The most common failure reasons were coil spring: fractured or broken; service brake performance: excessively binding; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2007 Mazda MX-5 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 123, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).