2002 Mazda MX-5 MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 65.6% of Mazda MX-5s first used in 2002 passed their MOT first time, against 59.5% for all cars first used in 2002. Across 9,415 MX-5 first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were brakes, lamps and electrical equipment and suspension.
This page analyses first MOT tests for Mazda MX-5s first used in 2002 (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 2002 Mazda MX-5 MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, MX-5s first used in 2002 against all cars first used in 2002 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the MX-5 figure was 6.1 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2002 MX-5 | All cars first used 2002 | MX-5 first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 62.1% | 54.4% | 4,361 |
| 2022 | 64.5% | 56.2% | 3,954 |
| 2023 | 66.1% | 57.5% | 3,605 |
| 2024 | 65.1% | 58.0% | 3,025 |
| 2025 | 65.6% | 59.5% | 2,785 |
Common 2002 Mazda MX-5 MOT failures
Share of the 3,238 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Position lamp: not working | 12.3% | 397 |
| Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength | 10.9% | 353 |
| Prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced | 10.2% | 331 |
| Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits | 9.6% | 312 |
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | 9.5% | 308 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | Coil spring replacement | £248 | £175–£400 |
From published UK repair-cost guides, checked September 2026. Only jobs with a published typical price are shown.
What to check on a 2002 Mazda MX-5 before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- 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.
- Lamps and electrics. Ask someone to watch while you work the brake lights, indicators, sidelights, dipped and main beam, and the number-plate lamps.
- 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 2002 Mazda MX-5 MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2002 MX-5s, as a share of all 9,415 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension arm: corroded but not seriously weakened | 11.2% | 1,057 |
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 11.1% | 1,045 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 9.4% | 885 |
| Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material | 9.3% | 879 |
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 8.2% | 773 |
Questions about the 2002 Mazda MX-5 MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2002 Mazda MX-5?
In 2025, 65.6% of MX-5s first used in 2002 passed their MOT first time, against 59.5% for all cars first used in 2002. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2002 MX-5 most often fail its MOT on?
Brakes (in 37.2% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), lamps and electrical equipment (34.1%) and suspension (32.8%). The single most common item was “Position lamp: not working” (12.3%).
How often does a 2002 Mazda MX-5 fail its MOT?
In 2025, 34.4% of first tests on MX-5s first used in 2002 did not pass first time: 29.9% failed, and a further 4.5% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 3,238 of 9,415 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2002 Mazda MX-5 MOT advisories?
“Suspension arm: corroded but not seriously weakened” (on 11.2% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (11.1%), “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (9.4%), “Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material” (9.3%) and “Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (8.2%).
Is a 2002 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 62.1% in 2021 to 65.6% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2002
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2002 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2002 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2002 Toyota Yaris MOT statistics · 2002 MINI Hatch MOT statistics · 2002 BMW 3 Series MOT statistics
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