2021 · 3 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2021 Mazda MX-5 MOT pass rate and common faults

1,465 MOT tests in 2024. 94.4% passed first time, compared with 87.6% for all cars the same age.

108Above average
Passed first time94.4%
Failed or needed repairs5.6%
Typical mileage at test12,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,465 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.2%
  2. Headlamp aim: too high1.0%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick0.8%
    16 marked dangerous
  4. Headlamp aim: too low0.5%
  5. Registration plates: does not conform to the specified requirements0.3%
  6. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.3%
  7. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.3%
  8. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn0.2%
  9. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm0.2%
    4 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres1.7%
  2. Lights & electrics1.7%
  3. Brakes1.2%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.0%
  5. Number plates & VIN0.4%
  6. Emissions & leaks0.1%
  7. Suspension0.1%
  8. Seat belts & airbags0.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened6.3%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm4.1%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure3.5%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick3.4%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.0%

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: tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2020 MX-5All MX-5 years

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2021 Mazda MX-5?

In 2024, 94.4% of 2021 Mazda MX-5 cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,465 tests. The average for all 3-year-old cars was 87.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2021 Mazda MX-5?

The most common failure reasons were tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords; headlamp aim: too high; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2021 Mazda MX-5 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 108, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).