2006 · 18 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2006 Mazda MX-5 MOT pass rate and common faults

6,174 MOT tests in 2024. 65.3% passed first time, compared with 56.1% for all cars the same age.

116Well above average
Passed first time65.3%
Failed or needed repairs34.7%
Typical mileage at test76,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 6,174 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength6.6%
  2. Coil spring: fractured or broken5.0%
  3. Service brake performance: excessively binding3.9%
  4. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.3%
  5. Position lamp: not working2.0%
  6. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.7%
    147 marked dangerous
  7. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced1.6%
  8. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced1.5%
  9. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.5%
  10. Sub-frame mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength1.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension21.4%
  2. Brakes11.3%
  3. Lights & electrics11.3%
  4. Emissions & leaks8.9%
  5. Body & chassis5.5%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.5%
  7. Tyres3.9%
  8. Seat belts & airbags2.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened10.7%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.8%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure8.9%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm8.5%
  5. Service brake performance: excessively binding7.0%

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 2006 Mazda MX-5?

In 2024, 65.3% of 2006 Mazda MX-5 cars passed their MOT first time, across 6,174 tests. The average for all 18-year-old cars was 56.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2006 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; service brake performance: excessively binding. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2006 Mazda MX-5 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 116, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).