2001 · 23 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2001 Mazda MX-5 MOT pass rate and common faults

1,922 MOT tests in 2024. 65.0% passed first time, compared with 59.4% for all cars the same age.

110Well above average
Passed first time65.0%
Failed or needed repairs35.0%
Typical mileage at test87,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,922 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.5%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.9%
  3. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced3.5%
  4. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.0%
  5. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.9%
  6. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.7%
  7. Coil spring: fractured or broken2.5%
  8. Parking brake performance: inoperative on one side2.4%
  9. Position lamp: not working2.4%
  10. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits2.1%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes20.1%
  2. Lights & electrics18.5%
  3. Emissions & leaks15.7%
  4. Suspension13.7%
  5. Body & chassis5.5%
  6. Seat belts & airbags4.4%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.2%
  8. Tyres3.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine12.9%
  2. Suspension arm: corroded and seriously weakened11.6%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded10.5%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm9.8%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.6%

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: catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. 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 2001 Mazda MX-5?

In 2024, 65.0% of 2001 Mazda MX-5 cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,922 tests. The average for all 23-year-old cars was 59.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2001 Mazda MX-5?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2001 Mazda MX-5 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 110, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).