2022 Mazda MX-5: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2022 Mazda MX-5s, from 1,355 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What gets flagged at MOT
The share of 2022 Mazda MX-5 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres10% 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.
- Brakes8% 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.
- Lights and electrics3% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors3% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Suspension1% 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.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,464 | Tyres 16% |
| 2020 | 1,057 | Tyres 19% |
| 2019 | 4,003 | Tyres 19% |
| 2018 | 4,240 | Brakes 21% |
| 2017 | 4,566 | Brakes 22% |
| 2016 | 4,088 | Brakes 25% |
| 2015 | 2,975 | Brakes 21% |
| 2014 | 2,835 | Brakes 22% |
| 2013 | 3,079 | Suspension 25% |
| 2012 | 3,097 | Suspension 25% |
| 2011 | 3,362 | Suspension 30% |
| 2010 | 4,591 | Suspension 31% |
| 2009 | 4,060 | Suspension 33% |
| 2008 | 5,189 | Suspension 37% |
| 2007 | 7,291 | Suspension 38% |
| 2006 | 5,875 | Suspension 40% |
| 2005 | 2,954 | Suspension 36% |
| 2004 | 2,762 | Suspension 37% |
| 2003 | 3,549 | Suspension 38% |
| 2002 | 2,812 | Suspension 37% |
| 2001 | 1,741 | Suspension 37% |
| 2000 | 2,398 | Suspension 35% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2022 Mazda MX-5s registered in 2022. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score