1991 Mazda MX-5 MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 64.8% of Mazda MX-5s first used in 1991 passed their MOT first time, against 71.5% for all cars first used in 1991. Across 2,192 MX-5 first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were lamps and electrical equipment, brakes and suspension.
This page analyses first MOT tests for Mazda MX-5s first used in 1991 (all trims grouped): 2021 to 2025 for the pass-rate trend, and 2023 to 2025 for the failure and advisory analysis — plus what is worth checking before you buy one.
Data: DVSA anonymised MOT tests to December 2025 · Calculated by SortedCars · Updated October 2026
How the 1991 Mazda MX-5 MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, MX-5s first used in 1991 against all cars first used in 1991 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the MX-5 figure was 6.7 points lower.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 1991 MX-5 | All cars first used 1991 | MX-5 first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 64.0% | 66.5% | 648 |
| 2022 | 66.3% | 67.9% | 629 |
| 2023 | 68.2% | 69.9% | 607 |
| 2024 | 67.1% | 70.6% | 785 |
| 2025 | 64.8% | 71.5% | 800 |
Common 1991 Mazda MX-5 MOT failures
Share of the 733 failed first tests (2023–2025) with at least one failure in each area. A test can fail in more than one area, so the shares add up to more than 100%.
Most common failure items
| DVSA failure item | Share of failed first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Parking brake efficiency (sp): efficiency below requirements | 10.6% | 78 |
| Rear fog lamp: not working | 10.0% | 73 |
| Parking brake performance: inoperative on one side | 8.3% | 61 |
| Position lamp: not working | 8.3% | 61 |
| Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength | 8.2% | 60 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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Typical repair costs for common MOT failures
Typical UK garage prices for the job, not for an MX-5 in particular, and not a quote.
| Failure item | Typical job | Typical UK price | Usual range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parking brake performance: inoperative on one side | Handbrake cable replacement | £105 | £75–£150 |
From published UK repair-cost guides, checked September 2026. Only jobs with a published typical price are shown.
What to check on a 1991 Mazda MX-5 before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- Lamps and electrics. Ask someone to watch while you work the brake lights, indicators, sidelights, dipped and main beam, and the number-plate lamps.
- Brakes. Worth looking at the discs and pads through the wheel spokes for scoring and a worn lip, and noticing on the test drive whether the car pulls to one side or the pedal feels long.
- Suspension. Worth looking behind the front wheels with a torch at the coil springs, and listening for knocks over bumps on the test drive.
Common 1991 Mazda MX-5 MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 1991 MX-5s, as a share of all 2,192 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 19.1% | 418 |
| Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material | 14.3% | 314 |
| Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing | 6.8% | 148 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 6.4% | 141 |
| Suspension arm: corroded but not seriously weakened | 5.7% | 124 |
Questions about the 1991 Mazda MX-5 MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 1991 Mazda MX-5?
In 2025, 64.8% of MX-5s first used in 1991 passed their MOT first time, against 71.5% for all cars first used in 1991. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 1991 MX-5 most often fail its MOT on?
Lamps and electrical equipment (in 47.1% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), brakes (35.5%) and suspension (30.3%). The single most common item was “Parking brake efficiency (sp): efficiency below requirements” (10.6%).
How often does a 1991 Mazda MX-5 fail its MOT?
In 2025, 35.2% of first tests on MX-5s first used in 1991 did not pass first time: 30.6% failed, and a further 4.6% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 733 of 2,192 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 1991 Mazda MX-5 MOT advisories?
“Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (on 19.1% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material” (14.3%), “Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” (6.8%), “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (6.4%) and “Suspension arm: corroded but not seriously weakened” (5.7%).
Is a 1991 Mazda MX-5 reliable?
An MOT pass rate shows what failed at the test, not how reliable a car is. For this group of cars the first-time pass rate went from 64.0% in 2021 to 64.8% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 1991
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
1991 Land Rover Defender MOT statistics · 1991 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 1991 Rover Mini (classic) MOT statistics · 1991 Volkswagen Transporter MOT statistics · 1991 BMW 3 Series MOT statistics
Checking a specific 1991 MX-5?
The numbers above cover every MX-5 first used in 1991 and tested in Great Britain. Our free check shows the actual MOT history, mileage record and tax status of the one you are looking at.
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