2017 · 7 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2017 Mazda MX-5 MOT pass rate and common faults

4,473 MOT tests in 2024. 89.6% passed first time, compared with 79.8% for all cars the same age.

112Well above average
Passed first time89.6%
Failed or needed repairs10.4%
Typical mileage at test28,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 4,473 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.9%
    113 marked dangerous
  2. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.8%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.0%
  4. Headlamp aim: too high0.7%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm0.6%
    43 marked dangerous
  6. Service brake performance: excessively binding0.5%
  7. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.4%
    39 marked dangerous
  8. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn0.4%
  9. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes3.9%
  2. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.9%
  3. Tyres2.8%
  4. Lights & electrics1.9%
  5. Suspension1.4%
  6. Emissions & leaks0.3%
  7. Body & chassis0.1%
  8. Wheels0.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened12.7%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure10.2%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick9.3%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm8.3%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn4.0%

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: brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick. 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 2017 Mazda MX-5?

In 2024, 89.6% of 2017 Mazda MX-5 cars passed their MOT first time, across 4,473 tests. The average for all 7-year-old cars was 79.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2017 Mazda MX-5?

The most common failure reasons were brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2017 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).