2004 Mazda MX-5 MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 64.8% of Mazda MX-5s first used in 2004 passed their MOT first time, against 57.8% for all cars first used in 2004. Across 9,523 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 2004 (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 2004 Mazda MX-5 MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, MX-5s first used in 2004 against all cars first used in 2004 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the MX-5 figure was 7.0 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2004 MX-5 | All cars first used 2004 | MX-5 first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 60.5% | 53.9% | 4,412 |
| 2022 | 61.0% | 55.2% | 4,033 |
| 2023 | 62.6% | 56.0% | 3,708 |
| 2024 | 64.3% | 56.4% | 3,074 |
| 2025 | 64.8% | 57.8% | 2,741 |
Common 2004 Mazda MX-5 MOT failures
Share of the 3,448 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced | 14.1% | 486 |
| Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength | 13.3% | 457 |
| Position lamp: not working | 12.4% | 428 |
| Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits | 9.9% | 342 |
| Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction | 7.9% | 274 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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What to check on a 2004 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 2004 Mazda MX-5 MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2004 MX-5s, as a share of all 9,523 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 11.4% | 1,083 |
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 11.0% | 1,048 |
| Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material | 10.4% | 986 |
| Suspension arm: corroded but not seriously weakened | 9.4% | 892 |
| Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing | 8.8% | 834 |
Questions about the 2004 Mazda MX-5 MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2004 Mazda MX-5?
In 2025, 64.8% of MX-5s first used in 2004 passed their MOT first time, against 57.8% for all cars first used in 2004. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2004 MX-5 most often fail its MOT on?
Brakes (in 35.8% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), lamps and electrical equipment (32.5%) and suspension (30.3%). The single most common item was “Prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced” (14.1%).
How often does a 2004 Mazda MX-5 fail its MOT?
In 2025, 35.2% of first tests on MX-5s first used in 2004 did not pass first time: 30.5% failed, and a further 4.8% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 3,448 of 9,523 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2004 Mazda MX-5 MOT advisories?
“Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (on 11.4% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (11.0%), “Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material” (10.4%), “Suspension arm: corroded but not seriously weakened” (9.4%) and “Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” (8.8%).
Is a 2004 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 60.5% 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 2004
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2004 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2004 MINI Hatch MOT statistics · 2004 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2004 Toyota Yaris MOT statistics · 2004 Volkswagen Polo MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2004 MX-5?
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