2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Mazda MX-5 MOT pass rate and common faults

3,984 MOT tests in 2024. 64.5% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

113Well above average
Passed first time64.5%
Failed or needed repairs35.5%
Typical mileage at test78,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 3,984 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength5.2%
  2. Coil spring: fractured or broken4.3%
  3. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.8%
  4. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced3.7%
  5. Service brake performance: excessively binding3.7%
  6. Position lamp: not working2.6%
  7. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.5%
  8. Parking brake performance: inoperative on one side2.2%
  9. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.1%
    118 marked dangerous
  10. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced2.0%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes21.1%
  2. Suspension17.0%
  3. Lights & electrics16.3%
  4. Emissions & leaks12.7%
  5. Body & chassis8.2%
  6. Seat belts & airbags4.9%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.4%
  8. Tyres4.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Suspension arm: corroded and seriously weakened11.1%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened10.7%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine9.8%
  4. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded9.4%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm8.2%

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: 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.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Mazda MX-5?

In 2024, 64.5% of 2003 Mazda MX-5 cars passed their MOT first time, across 3,984 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Mazda MX-5?

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

Is the 2003 Mazda MX-5 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).