2005 Mazda Bongo: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2005 Mazda Bongos, from 588 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 2005 Mazda Bongos than on all cars registered in 2005.
- Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.5× usualMazda Bongo15.1% All 2005 cars6%
Failed outright at MOT: 10.4%, against 2.7% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Rear fog light6× usualMazda Bongo7.8% All 2005 cars1.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 7.8%, against 1.3% of all 2005 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.
- Chassis rust or damage2.7× usualMazda Bongo9.7% All 2005 cars3.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 1% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimateAt the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
- Body structure rust or damage2.7× usualMazda Bongo8.5% All 2005 cars3.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 0.9% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimateAt the viewing: Look underneath and along the sills for flaky rust or fresh underseal hiding it.
- Anti-roll bar link bushes3× usualMazda Bongo5.1% All 2005 cars1.7%
Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.4% of all 2005 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.
Tread depth: 7.3% here, against 20.1% of all 2005 cars. Rigid brake pipes: 7.1% here, against 14.9% of all 2005 cars.
By area
The share of 2005 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 electrics33% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks21% 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.
- Tyres19% 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.
- Rust and bodywork19% of testsRough price £150–£1,000
At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 515 | Suspension 37% |
| 2002 | 597 | Suspension 32% |
| 2001 | 542 | Lights and electrics 36% |
| 2000 | 501 | Suspension 38% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2005 Mazda Bongos registered in 2005. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score