2006 · 18 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2006 Mazda RX-8 MOT pass rate and common faults

557 MOT tests in 2024. 63.7% passed first time, compared with 56.1% for all cars the same age.

113Well above average
Passed first time63.7%
Failed or needed repairs36.3%
Typical mileage at test64,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 557 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Position lamp: not working5.2%
  2. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits4.8%
  3. Service brake performance: excessively binding3.4%
  4. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.4%
  5. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.4%
  6. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction3.1%
  7. Coil spring: fractured or broken2.9%
  8. Catalyst emissions: hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.5%
  9. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed1.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Emissions & leaks23.7%
  2. Lights & electrics20.6%
  3. Suspension13.6%
  4. Brakes11.5%
  5. Body & chassis5.4%
  6. Tyres4.8%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.1%
  8. Seat belts & airbags2.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened10.1%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm9.7%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.7%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine9.5%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick9.3%

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: position lamp: not working. 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 2006 Mazda RX-8?

In 2024, 63.7% of 2006 Mazda RX-8 cars passed their MOT first time, across 557 tests. The average for all 18-year-old cars was 56.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2006 Mazda RX-8?

The most common failure reasons were position lamp: not working; catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits; service brake performance: excessively binding. The biggest problem area was emissions & leaks.

Is the 2006 Mazda RX-8 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 113, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).