2013 Mazda MX-5 MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 79.3% of Mazda MX-5s first used in 2013 passed their MOT first time, against 65.8% for all cars first used in 2013. Across 9,307 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 2013 (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 2013 Mazda MX-5 MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, MX-5s first used in 2013 against all cars first used in 2013 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the MX-5 figure was 13.5 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2013 MX-5 | All cars first used 2013 | MX-5 first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 84.5% | 72.1% | 3,131 |
| 2022 | 83.3% | 70.3% | 3,111 |
| 2023 | 81.2% | 68.3% | 3,104 |
| 2024 | 80.3% | 66.8% | 3,107 |
| 2025 | 79.3% | 65.8% | 3,096 |
Common 2013 Mazda MX-5 MOT failures
Share of the 1,839 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 | 12.5% | 230 |
| Position lamp: not working | 11.1% | 205 |
| Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively | 10.0% | 183 |
| Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick | 7.7% | 141 |
| Headlamp: not working on dipped beam | 6.8% | 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 |
From published UK repair-cost guides, checked September 2026. Only jobs with a published typical price are shown.
What to check on a 2013 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 2013 Mazda MX-5 MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2013 MX-5s, as a share of all 9,307 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 9.9% | 925 |
| Brake pads: wearing thin | 8.7% | 809 |
| Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing | 8.2% | 762 |
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 7.7% | 720 |
| Shock absorbers: has light misting of oil | 4.6% | 424 |
Questions about the 2013 Mazda MX-5 MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2013 Mazda MX-5?
In 2025, 79.3% of MX-5s first used in 2013 passed their MOT first time, against 65.8% for all cars first used in 2013. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2013 MX-5 most often fail its MOT on?
Suspension (in 33.9% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), lamps and electrical equipment (31.0%) and brakes (23.0%). The single most common item was “Coil spring: fractured or broken” (12.5%).
How often does a 2013 Mazda MX-5 fail its MOT?
In 2025, 20.7% of first tests on MX-5s first used in 2013 did not pass first time: 16.6% failed, and a further 4.2% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 1,839 of 9,307 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2013 Mazda MX-5 MOT advisories?
“Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (on 9.9% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Brake pads: wearing thin” (8.7%), “Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” (8.2%), “Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (7.7%) and “Shock absorbers: has light misting of oil” (4.6%).
Is a 2013 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 84.5% in 2021 to 79.3% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2013
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2013 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2013 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2013 Vauxhall Corsa MOT statistics · 2013 Vauxhall Astra MOT statistics · 2013 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics
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