2019 Mazda MX-5 MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 91.4% of Mazda MX-5s first used in 2019 passed their MOT first time, against 83.5% for all cars first used in 2019. Across 12,124 MX-5 first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were tyres, visibility (wipers, washers and windscreen) and brakes.
This page analyses first MOT tests for Mazda MX-5s first used in 2019 (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 2019 Mazda MX-5 MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, MX-5s first used in 2019 against all cars first used in 2019 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the MX-5 figure was 7.9 points higher.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2019 MX-5 | All cars first used 2019 | MX-5 first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | fewer than 500 tests | 89.2% | 129 |
| 2022 | 93.9% | 87.8% | 4,101 |
| 2023 | 93.7% | 86.2% | 4,069 |
| 2024 | 91.0% | 84.9% | 4,046 |
| 2025 | 91.4% | 83.5% | 4,009 |
Common 2019 Mazda MX-5 MOT failures
Share of the 962 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 | 17.0% | 164 |
| Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick | 14.1% | 136 |
| Tyre condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords | 11.7% | 113 |
| Headlamp aim: too high | 8.4% | 81 |
| Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid | 8.2% | 79 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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What to check on a 2019 Mazda MX-5 before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- Tyres. Worth checking the tread depth across the whole width of each tyre, and the sidewalls for cuts, cracks and bulges.
- 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.
- 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 2019 Mazda MX-5 MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2019 MX-5s, as a share of all 12,124 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 9.5% | 1,152 |
| Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing | 8.6% | 1,039 |
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 6.8% | 829 |
| Brake pads: wearing thin | 6.2% | 748 |
| Tyre condition: has a cut but not deep enough to reach the ply or cords | 1.9% | 230 |
Questions about the 2019 Mazda MX-5 MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2019 Mazda MX-5?
In 2025, 91.4% of MX-5s first used in 2019 passed their MOT first time, against 83.5% for all cars first used in 2019. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2019 MX-5 most often fail its MOT on?
Tyres (in 27.9% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), visibility (wipers, washers and windscreen) (27.9%) and brakes (21.9%). The single most common item was “Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively” (17.0%).
How often does a 2019 Mazda MX-5 fail its MOT?
In 2025, 8.6% of first tests on MX-5s first used in 2019 did not pass first time: 6.2% failed, and a further 2.4% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 962 of 12,124 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2019 Mazda MX-5 MOT advisories?
“Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (on 9.5% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” (8.6%), “Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (6.8%), “Brake pads: wearing thin” (6.2%) and “Tyre condition: has a cut but not deep enough to reach the ply or cords” (1.9%).
Is a 2019 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 93.9% in 2022 to 91.4% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2019
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2019 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2019 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2019 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2019 Vauxhall Corsa MOT statistics · 2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2019 MX-5?
The numbers above cover every MX-5 first used in 2019 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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