2017 Mazda 2: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2017 Mazda 2?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2017 Mazda 2 than on all cars registered in 2017.

• Rigid brake pipes6× usual
  Mazda 2

  6% All 2017 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.1% of all 2017 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.

• Ball joint dust cover2.2× usual
  Mazda 2

  2% All 2017 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.4% of all 2017 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.

Common 2017 Mazda 2 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2017 Mazda 2 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  28% 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.

• Brakes
  19% 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.

• Suspension
  9% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  7% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Lights and electrics
  5% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Seats and seatbelts
  2% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Known faults on the 2017 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.

• Blocked particulate filter (diesel)

  Diesel

  Diesels without regular motorway runs can block their particulate filter, which can damage the engine.

  At the viewing: Ask what journeys it does, and watch for a DPF warning.

  Source: What Car?: used Mazda 2 (2015 on) reliability

• Air con problems

  All engines

  Several air con problems have been reported, with waits for parts.

  At the viewing: Make sure it blows ice-cold, and switch quickly between hot and cold.

  Source: What Car?: used Mazda 2 (2015 on) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2017 Mazda 2

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

1. Does it get regular motorway runs?
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 6× as often on the 2017 Mazda 2 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2017 Mazda 2 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?