2001 Mazda MX-5 MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 67.1% of Mazda MX-5s first used in 2001 passed their MOT first time, against 61.1% for all cars first used in 2001. Across 5,772 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 2001 (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 2001 Mazda MX-5 MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, MX-5s first used in 2001 against all cars first used in 2001 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the MX-5 figure was 6.0 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2001 MX-5 | All cars first used 2001 | MX-5 first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 63.5% | 55.6% | 2,659 |
| 2022 | 63.8% | 57.4% | 2,423 |
| 2023 | 65.1% | 58.7% | 2,180 |
| 2024 | 65.0% | 59.4% | 1,856 |
| 2025 | 67.1% | 61.1% | 1,736 |
Common 2001 Mazda MX-5 MOT failures
Share of the 1,982 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits | 12.6% | 249 |
| Position lamp: not working | 10.6% | 210 |
| Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength | 10.3% | 205 |
| Prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced | 9.3% | 184 |
| Parking brake efficiency (sp): efficiency below requirements | 8.7% | 172 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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What to check on a 2001 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 2001 Mazda MX-5 MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2001 MX-5s, as a share of all 5,772 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 12.1% | 699 |
| Suspension arm: corroded but not seriously weakened | 11.5% | 662 |
| Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material | 10.2% | 590 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 9.9% | 569 |
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 8.8% | 507 |
Questions about the 2001 Mazda MX-5 MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2001 Mazda MX-5?
In 2025, 67.1% of MX-5s first used in 2001 passed their MOT first time, against 61.1% for all cars first used in 2001. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2001 MX-5 most often fail its MOT on?
Lamps and electrical equipment (in 38.8% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), brakes (36.3%) and suspension (32.0%). The single most common item was “Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits” (12.6%).
How often does a 2001 Mazda MX-5 fail its MOT?
In 2025, 32.9% of first tests on MX-5s first used in 2001 did not pass first time: 27.0% failed, and a further 5.9% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 1,982 of 5,772 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2001 Mazda MX-5 MOT advisories?
“Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (on 12.1% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Suspension arm: corroded but not seriously weakened” (11.5%), “Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material” (10.2%), “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (9.9%) and “Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (8.8%).
Is a 2001 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 63.5% in 2021 to 67.1% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2001
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2001 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2001 Toyota Yaris MOT statistics · 2001 Volkswagen Transporter MOT statistics · 2001 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2001 BMW 3 Series MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2001 MX-5?
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