2012 · 12 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2012 Mazda MX-5 MOT pass rate and common faults

3,049 MOT tests in 2024. 78.3% passed first time, compared with 64.3% for all cars the same age.

122Well above average
Passed first time78.3%
Failed or needed repairs21.7%
Typical mileage at test48,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 3,049 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken3.4%
  2. Service brake performance: excessively binding3.3%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.5%
    72 marked dangerous
  4. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak1.5%
  5. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.1%
  6. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.0%
  7. Position lamp: not working1.0%
  8. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.0%
  9. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam0.7%
  10. Headlamp aim: too high0.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension9.6%
  2. Brakes8.4%
  3. Lights & electrics7.2%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.2%
  5. Tyres2.9%
  6. Emissions & leaks1.7%
  7. Body & chassis0.4%
  8. Seat belts & airbags0.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure8.7%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened8.4%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick7.9%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm7.7%
  5. Service brake performance: excessively binding6.0%

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 2012 Mazda MX-5?

In 2024, 78.3% of 2012 Mazda MX-5 cars passed their MOT first time, across 3,049 tests. The average for all 12-year-old cars was 64.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2012 Mazda MX-5?

The most common failure reasons were coil spring: fractured or broken; service brake performance: excessively binding; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2012 Mazda MX-5 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 122, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).