1999 Mazda Bongo: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 1999 Mazda Bongos, from 529 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 1999 Mazda Bongos than on all cars registered in 1999.
- Rear fog light5.5× usualMazda Bongo11% All 1999 cars2%
Failed outright at MOT: 10.6%, against 1.9% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.
- Headlights2× usualMazda Bongo11.7% All 1999 cars5.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 6%, against 2.8% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £40–£400 our estimateAt the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.
- Anti-roll bar bushes and joints3.2× usualMazda Bongo5.7% All 1999 cars1.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 0.3% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) CheckatradeAt the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.
- Ball joint dust cover2.1× usualMazda Bongo7.8% All 1999 cars3.7%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 1.2% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
By area
The share of 1999 Mazda Bongo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension44% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Lights and electrics34% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes30% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Tyres18% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Oil and fluid leaks18% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
- Exhaust and emissions18% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
Looking at a Mazda Bongo?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 110 | Lights and electrics 31% |
| 2019 | 103 | Suspension 36% |
| 2018 | 150 | Lights and electrics 35% |
| 2017 | 191 | Suspension 41% |
| 2016 | 300 | Suspension 42% |
| 2015 | 332 | Suspension 47% |
| 2014 | 337 | Suspension 49% |
| 2013 | 266 | Suspension 48% |
| 2012 | 221 | Suspension 48% |
| 2011 | 270 | Suspension 54% |
| 2010 | 292 | Suspension 51% |
| 2009 | 271 | Suspension 55% |
| 2008 | 332 | Suspension 59% |
| 2007 | 445 | Suspension 48% |
| 2006 | 474 | Suspension 49% |
| 2005 | 588 | Suspension 44% |
| 2004 | 515 | Suspension 37% |
| 2003 | 380 | Lights and electrics 36% |
| 2002 | 597 | Suspension 32% |
| 2001 | 542 | Lights and electrics 36% |
| 2000 | 501 | Suspension 38% |
| 1998 | 365 | Suspension 48% |
| 1997 | 552 | Suspension 51% |
| 1996 | 581 | Suspension 56% |
| 1995 | 478 | Suspension 53% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 1999 Mazda Bongos registered in 1999. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score