2012 Mazda MX-5 MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 79.6% of Mazda MX-5s first used in 2012 passed their MOT first time, against 63.5% for all cars first used in 2012. Across 9,325 MX-5 first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were suspension, lamps and electrical equipment and brakes.
This page analyses first MOT tests for Mazda MX-5s first used in 2012 (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 2012 Mazda MX-5 MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, MX-5s first used in 2012 against all cars first used in 2012 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the MX-5 figure was 16.1 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2012 MX-5 | All cars first used 2012 | MX-5 first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 82.7% | 68.8% | 3,148 |
| 2022 | 82.2% | 67.4% | 3,152 |
| 2023 | 80.3% | 65.6% | 3,115 |
| 2024 | 78.4% | 64.3% | 3,106 |
| 2025 | 79.6% | 63.5% | 3,104 |
Common 2012 Mazda MX-5 MOT failures
Share of the 1,919 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | 17.1% | 328 |
| Service brake performance: excessively binding | 8.9% | 171 |
| Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively | 8.8% | 168 |
| Position lamp: not working | 8.4% | 162 |
| Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick | 6.5% | 125 |
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 |
| Service brake performance: excessively binding | Brake caliper repair | £180 | £150–£220 |
From published UK repair-cost guides, checked September 2026. Only jobs with a published typical price are shown.
What to check on a 2012 Mazda MX-5 before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- Suspension. Worth looking behind the front wheels with a torch at the coil springs, and listening for knocks over bumps on the test drive.
- 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.
Common 2012 Mazda MX-5 MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2012 MX-5s, as a share of all 9,325 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing | 8.7% | 810 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 8.5% | 791 |
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 7.8% | 729 |
| Brake pads: wearing thin | 7.7% | 716 |
| Shock absorbers: has light misting of oil | 5.5% | 513 |
Questions about the 2012 Mazda MX-5 MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2012 Mazda MX-5?
In 2025, 79.6% of MX-5s first used in 2012 passed their MOT first time, against 63.5% for all cars first used in 2012. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2012 MX-5 most often fail its MOT on?
Suspension (in 37.4% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), lamps and electrical equipment (26.9%) and brakes (26.5%). The single most common item was “Coil spring: fractured or broken” (17.1%).
How often does a 2012 Mazda MX-5 fail its MOT?
In 2025, 20.4% of first tests on MX-5s first used in 2012 did not pass first time: 16.2% failed, and a further 4.2% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 1,919 of 9,325 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2012 Mazda MX-5 MOT advisories?
“Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” (on 8.7% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (8.5%), “Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (7.8%), “Brake pads: wearing thin” (7.7%) and “Shock absorbers: has light misting of oil” (5.5%).
Is a 2012 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 82.7% in 2021 to 79.6% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2012
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2012 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2012 Vauxhall Corsa MOT statistics · 2012 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2012 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2012 Vauxhall Astra MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2012 MX-5?
The numbers above cover every MX-5 first used in 2012 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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