2010 Mazda 5: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2010 Mazda 5?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2010 Mazda 5 than on all cars registered in 2010.

• Exhaust system2.5× usual
  Mazda 5

  17.3% All 2010 cars

  7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.6%, against 2% of all 2010 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints3.5× usual
  Mazda 5

  13.6% All 2010 cars

  3.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 1.5% of all 2010 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.

• Ball joint2.5× usual
  Mazda 5

  15.5% All 2010 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.9%, against 3.3% of all 2010 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.

• Sub-frame2.7× usual
  Mazda 5

  13.8% All 2010 cars

  5.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0.3% of all 2010 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.6× usual
  Mazda 5

  11.6% All 2010 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 2.2% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

Common 2010 Mazda 5 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2010 Mazda 5 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  58% 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
  36% 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
  34% 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
  33% 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
  21% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  12% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2010 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 exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2010 Mazda 5 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.5× as often on the 2010 Mazda 5 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2010 Mazda 5 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?