2017 Mazda MX-5 MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 89.1% of Mazda MX-5s first used in 2017 passed their MOT first time, against 78.2% for all cars first used in 2017. Across 13,671 MX-5 first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were brakes, visibility (wipers, washers and windscreen) and tyres.
This page analyses first MOT tests for Mazda MX-5s first used in 2017 (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 2017 Mazda MX-5 MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, MX-5s first used in 2017 against all cars first used in 2017 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the MX-5 figure was 10.9 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2017 MX-5 | All cars first used 2017 | MX-5 first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 92.8% | 85.9% | 4,564 |
| 2022 | 91.6% | 83.9% | 4,576 |
| 2023 | 90.7% | 81.7% | 4,554 |
| 2024 | 89.6% | 79.8% | 4,552 |
| 2025 | 89.1% | 78.2% | 4,565 |
Common 2017 Mazda MX-5 MOT failures
Share of the 1,392 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively | 17.4% | 242 |
| Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick | 17.0% | 237 |
| Tyre condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords | 8.2% | 114 |
| Headlamp aim: too high | 7.8% | 108 |
| Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid | 6.5% | 91 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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What to check on a 2017 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.
- Wipers and windscreen. Worth checking that the wipers clear the screen cleanly, that the washers work, and that there are no chips or cracks in the driver’s view.
- Tyres. Worth checking the tread depth across the whole width of each tyre, and the sidewalls for cuts, cracks and bulges.
Common 2017 Mazda MX-5 MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2017 MX-5s, as a share of all 13,671 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 12.0% | 1,642 |
| Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing | 9.4% | 1,283 |
| Brake pads: wearing thin | 8.7% | 1,184 |
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 7.9% | 1,075 |
| Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement | 4.1% | 554 |
Questions about the 2017 Mazda MX-5 MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2017 Mazda MX-5?
In 2025, 89.1% of MX-5s first used in 2017 passed their MOT first time, against 78.2% for all cars first used in 2017. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2017 MX-5 most often fail its MOT on?
Brakes (in 31.1% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), visibility (wipers, washers and windscreen) (26.7%) and tyres (24.0%). The single most common item was “Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively” (17.4%).
How often does a 2017 Mazda MX-5 fail its MOT?
In 2025, 10.9% of first tests on MX-5s first used in 2017 did not pass first time: 8.0% failed, and a further 2.9% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 1,392 of 13,671 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2017 Mazda MX-5 MOT advisories?
“Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (on 12.0% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” (9.4%), “Brake pads: wearing thin” (8.7%), “Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (7.9%) and “Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement” (4.1%).
Is a 2017 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 92.8% in 2021 to 89.1% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2017
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2017 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2017 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2017 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2017 Nissan Qashqai MOT statistics · 2017 Vauxhall Corsa MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2017 MX-5?
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