2016 · 8 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2016 Mazda MX-5 MOT pass rate and common faults

4,007 MOT tests in 2024. 86.5% passed first time, compared with 76.6% for all cars the same age.

113Well above average
Passed first time86.5%
Failed or needed repairs13.5%
Typical mileage at test33,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 4,007 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Service brake performance: excessively binding3.8%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.0%
    111 marked dangerous
  3. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.6%
  4. Headlamp aim: too high0.8%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords0.7%
  6. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits0.5%
  7. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm0.5%
    30 marked dangerous
  8. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.5%
    39 marked dangerous
  9. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn0.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes8.4%
  2. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.7%
  3. Tyres2.6%
  4. Lights & electrics2.3%
  5. Suspension1.5%
  6. Emissions & leaks1.2%
  7. Body & chassis0.3%
  8. Number plates & VIN0.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened11.2%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure8.8%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick8.2%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm7.7%
  5. Service brake performance: excessively binding4.9%

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: service brake performance: excessively binding. 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 2016 Mazda MX-5?

In 2024, 86.5% of 2016 Mazda MX-5 cars passed their MOT first time, across 4,007 tests. The average for all 8-year-old cars was 76.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2016 Mazda MX-5?

The most common failure reasons were service brake performance: excessively binding; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2016 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).