2011 Mazda 2: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2011 Mazda 2?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2011 Mazda 2 than on all cars registered in 2011.

• Ball joint2.7× usual
  Mazda 2

  15.8% All 2011 cars

  5.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.1%, against 3.1% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Rigid brake pipes2.4× usual
  Mazda 2

  13.9% All 2011 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 1% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Headlights2.6× usual
  Mazda 2

  12.5% All 2011 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 3.1% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Track rod ends2.1× usual
  Mazda 2

  10.1% All 2011 cars

  4.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.6%, against 2.4% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Sub-frame2.1× usual
  Mazda 2

  9.2% All 2011 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.3% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

Common 2011 Mazda 2 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2011 Mazda 2 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  45% 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.

• Tyres
  34% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  28% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Brakes
  27% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  10% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Steering
  9% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Known faults on the 2011 Mazda 2

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Rear wheel bearings and shock absorbers

  All engines

  Rear wheel bearings and shock absorbers can wear out early. Many bearings were replaced under warranty.

  At the viewing: Listen for droning or grumbling from the back at speed, and for knocks over bumps.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Mazda2 buying guide (2007-2015)

• Windows that mist up

  All engines

  The windows mist up easily. Using the air con all year helps.

  At the viewing: Check the demister and air con clear the screen quickly.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Mazda2 buying guide (2007-2015)

• Over-sensitive alarm

  All engines

  The alarm can go off by itself after the car is locked.

  At the viewing: Lock it, wait, then walk close around it.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Mazda2 buying guide (2007-2015)

• Clicking clutch pedal

  Manual gearbox

  Many cars click when the clutch is pressed. It’s annoying rather than a fault.

  At the viewing: Press the clutch a few times.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Mazda2 buying guide (2007-2015)

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2011 Mazda 2

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2011 Mazda 2 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2011 Mazda 2 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2011 Mazda 2 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?