2009 Mazda 5: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Mazda 5?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Mazda 5 than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Headlights2.3× usual
  Mazda 5

  18.8% All 2009 cars

  8.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9%, against 3.9% of all 2009 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.

• Sub-frame2.4× usual
  Mazda 5

  18.1% All 2009 cars

  7.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.4% of all 2009 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.

• Exhaust system2.1× usual
  Mazda 5

  17.5% All 2009 cars

  8.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.8%, against 2.2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Ball joint2.2× usual
  Mazda 5

  14.7% All 2009 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.3%, against 3.4% of all 2009 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.9× usual
  Mazda 5

  12.1% All 2009 cars

  4.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 1.6% of all 2009 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 2009 Mazda 5 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Mazda 5 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  63% 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 electrics
  43% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  37% 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
  36% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  22% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  13% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 Mazda 5

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

1. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2009 Mazda 5 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2009 Mazda 5 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2009 Mazda 5 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?