Mazda reliability and common MOT problems by model
Mazda shows a 19.3% combined MOT failure rate across 627,488 tests in MOTIntel data. Cx 3 has one of the lower high-confidence rates at 9.2%. Bongo deserves extra checking at 30.8%.
Statistics are built from DVSA MOT tests carried out in calendar year 2023, plus official recall records and MOT fault wording data. Report index generated 2026-05-09.
Mazda combined failure rate: 19.3% — all-model average is 18.7%. Ranked #32 of 48 makes by failure rate (1 = lowest). Raw rates reflect each make's fleet age mix — newer fleets naturally fail less.
Cx 3 (9.2%), Cx 5 (13.1%), Mx 5 (18.7%), 2 (20.1%), 6 (20.2%)
Bongo (30.8%), 5 (29.5%), 3 (21.1%), 6 (20.2%), 2 (20.1%)
Most reliable Mazda models in MOT data
| # | Model | MOT failure rate | Tests | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mazda Cx 3 | 9.2% | 27,457 tests | 24,150 vehicles |
| 2 | Mazda Cx 5 | 13.1% | 67,804 tests | 56,927 vehicles |
| 3 | Mazda Mx 5 | 18.7% | 112,300 tests | 90,492 vehicles |
| 4 | Mazda 2 | 20.1% | 152,027 tests | 119,861 vehicles |
| 5 | Mazda 6 | 20.2% | 82,496 tests | 64,351 vehicles |
Mazda models with the highest MOT failure rates
| # | Model | MOT failure rate | Tests | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mazda Bongo | 30.8% | 12,936 tests | 8,974 vehicles |
| 2 | Mazda 5 | 29.5% | 16,762 tests | 11,735 vehicles |
| 3 | Mazda 3 | 21.1% | 136,846 tests | 106,861 vehicles |
| 4 | Mazda 6 | 20.2% | 82,496 tests | 64,351 vehicles |
| 5 | Mazda 2 | 20.1% | 152,027 tests | 119,861 vehicles |
Common Mazda MOT problem areas
| # | Problem area | MOT notes | Models affected | What to check | High-rate examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Corrosion and structure | 263,202 MOT notes | 8 models | Inspect sills, subframes, suspension mounts, brake pipes, and previous welding or rust repairs. | Mazda Bongo, Mazda 5, Mazda Mx 5 |
| 2 | Suspension and steering | 124,772 MOT notes | 8 models | Listen for knocks, check uneven tyre wear, and ask whether worn joints or bushes have been replaced. | Mazda 5, Mazda Bongo, Mazda 2 |
| 3 | Lights and electrical | 74,263 MOT notes | 8 models | Test every exterior light, warning lamp, horn, washer, and basic electrical function before buying. | Mazda Bongo, Mazda 5, Mazda 2 |
| 4 | Emissions, engine, and exhaust | 44,603 MOT notes | 8 models | Check cold starts, exhaust smoke, warning lights, service history, and recent emissions repairs. | Mazda Bongo, Mazda 5, Mazda Mx 5 |
| 5 | Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors | 43,054 MOT notes | 8 models | Check the windscreen, wipers, washers, mirrors, chips, cracks, and whether the driver's view is clear. | Mazda Bongo, Mazda 5, Mazda 2 |
| 6 | Tyres and wheels | 11,343 MOT notes | 8 models | Look for matching tyres, legal tread, sidewall damage, wheel damage, and uneven wear. | Mazda Cx 5, Mazda 6, Mazda 3 |
All Mazda model reports
| Model | MOT tests | Vehicles | Failure rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 152,027 | 119,861 | 20.1% |
| 3 | 136,846 | 106,861 | 21.1% |
| Mx 5 | 112,300 | 90,492 | 18.7% |
| 6 | 82,496 | 64,351 | 20.2% |
| Cx 5 | 67,804 | 56,927 | 13.1% |
| Cx 3 | 27,457 | 24,150 | 9.2% |
| 5 | 16,762 | 11,735 | 29.5% |
| Bongo | 12,936 | 8,974 | 30.8% |
| Rx 8 limited data | 4,056 | 3,172 | 22.8% |
| B Series limited data | 2,405 | 1,796 | 27.1% |
| 323 limited data | 2,187 | 1,613 | 28.8% |
| Cx 7 limited data | 2,159 | 1,562 | 27.1% |
| 2 Gt Sport Nav Mhev limited data | 1,817 | 1,657 | 4.6% |
| Unclassified limited data | 1,506 | 1,084 | 28.9% |
| Cx 30 limited data | 1,288 | 1,153 | 4.7% |
| Bt 50 limited data | 1,269 | 939 | 25.1% |
| E Series limited data | 1,142 | 836 | 26.1% |
| Cx 30 Gt Sport Mhev limited data | 1,031 | 943 | 4.6% |
Models with limited data (fewer than 20,000 tests or 10,000 vehicles) have full reports but are not indexed in search engines until the evidence threshold is met.