1997 · 27 years old at test · Diesel mostly

1997 Mazda Bongo MOT pass rate and common faults

197 MOT tests in 2024. 53.8% passed first time, compared with 65.5% for all cars the same age.

82Well below average
Passed first time53.8%
Failed or needed repairs46.2%
Typical mileage at test136,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 197 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength10.7%
  2. Rear fog lamp: not working9.1%
  3. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases5.6%
  4. Service brake performance: excessively binding4.6%
  5. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.6%
  6. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively4.1%
  7. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced4.1%
  8. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick3.6%
    13 marked dangerous
  9. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn3.6%
  10. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced3.0%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics37.1%
  2. Suspension36.5%
  3. Brakes29.4%
  4. Body & chassis18.8%
  5. Emissions & leaks9.6%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.1%
  7. Seat belts & airbags5.6%
  8. Steering5.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine18.8%
  2. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened13.7%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened10.7%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure10.2%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded9.1%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 1996 BongoAll Bongo years1998 Bongo →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Mazda Bongo?

In 2024, 53.8% of 1997 Mazda Bongo cars passed their MOT first time, across 197 tests. The average for all 27-year-old cars was 65.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1997 Mazda Bongo?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; rear fog lamp: not working; exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1997 Mazda Bongo reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 82, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).