2004 · 20 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2004 Mazda RX-8 MOT pass rate and common faults

490 MOT tests in 2024. 66.5% passed first time, compared with 56.4% for all cars the same age.

118Well above average
Passed first time66.5%
Failed or needed repairs33.5%
Typical mileage at test66,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 490 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction5.7%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength5.5%
  3. Position lamp: not working3.9%
  4. Coil spring: fractured or broken3.9%
  5. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.3%
  6. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.9%
  7. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.4%
  8. Chassis condition: or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting2.2%
  9. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced2.2%
  10. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits2.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Emissions & leaks23.7%
  2. Suspension20.2%
  3. Lights & electrics14.9%
  4. Brakes11.8%
  5. Body & chassis6.9%
  6. Seat belts & airbags4.3%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.1%
  8. Tyres2.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine9.2%
  2. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened8.6%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm8.4%
  4. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded7.6%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure7.3%

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: malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All RX-8 years2005 RX-8 →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 Mazda RX-8?

In 2024, 66.5% of 2004 Mazda RX-8 cars passed their MOT first time, across 490 tests. The average for all 20-year-old cars was 56.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2004 Mazda RX-8?

The most common failure reasons were malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; position lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was emissions & leaks.

Is the 2004 Mazda RX-8 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 118, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).