MOT failure data · 2025
Mazda MX-5 MOT problems
Across every Mazda MX-5 that failed its 2025 MOT, the defect testers recorded most often was coil spring fractured or broken, on 5.66% of failure items. The broadest problem area was suspension at 26.13%. These are recorded defects across the model, not a diagnosis of any one car.
Most common Mazda MX-5 MOT failures
| # | Recorded defect | Area | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coil spring fractured or broken | Suspension | 5.66% |
| 2 | Component mounting prescribed areas prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength | Suspension | 5.61% |
| 3 | Service brake performance excessively binding | Brakes | 4.24% |
| 4 | Catalyst emissions lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits | Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.16% |
| 5 | Prescribed areas prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced | Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 3.06% |
| 6 | Wipers does not clear the windscreen effectively | Visibility | 2.97% |
| 7 | Position lamp not working | Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 2.76% |
| 8 | Ball joint dust cover ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt | Suspension | 2.74% |
| 9 | Brake pads less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 2.7% |
| 10 | Integral vehicle structure condition corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced | Body, chassis, structure | 2.44% |
Shares are of all recorded failure items for this model, so they sum to less than 100% — a single failed test often records several defects, and the long tail below the top 10 is not shown.
What this means if you are buying one
Use it as a viewing checklist. If you are looking at a Mazda MX-5, these are the areas worth inspecting and worth asking about — and worth reading the car's own MOT history for, since a defect that keeps reappearing as an advisory is a better signal than any model-wide average.
The MOT record also has hard limits: it does not check the engine, clutch or gearbox, and it says nothing about outstanding finance, insurance write-off history, stolen markers or whether the mileage is genuine. Our used Mazda MX-5 buying guide covers what to check beyond the MOT.
Checking a specific Mazda MX-5?
Enter its registration for finance, write-off, stolen, mileage and keeper history.
Other Mazda models
- Mazda CX-5 MOT problems
- Mazda CX-3 MOT problems
- Mazda CX-30 MOT problems
- Mazda Bongo MOT problems
- Mazda RX-8 MOT problems
Mazda MX-5 MOT FAQs
What does a Mazda MX-5 most commonly fail its MOT on?
The single most recorded defect on Mazda MX-5 cars failing their 2025 MOT was "coil spring fractured or broken", appearing on 5.66% of failure items.
Does this mean my Mazda MX-5 will fail?
No. This is what testers recorded across every Mazda MX-5 that failed in 2025. It shows where this model tends to need attention, not the condition of any individual car. The Mazda MX-5 passed 78.56% of its initial tests.
How do I see a specific Mazda MX-5's MOT history?
Enter its registration on our free MOT history check to see that car's own test results, advisories and recorded mileages.
See also: Mazda MX-5 MOT pass rate · used Mazda MX-5 buying guide · free MOT history check
Defect counts from the DVSA MOT Anonymised test-item data for 2025 (class 4 initial tests, failure items only — advisories and minor defects excluded), licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.