2012 Mazda 5: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Mazda 5?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Mazda 5 than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Anti-roll bar link joints4.9× usual
  Mazda 5

  15.6% All 2012 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.9%, against 1.2% of all 2012 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-frame2.6× usual
  Mazda 5

  13% All 2012 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0.3% of all 2012 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 system2.3× usual
  Mazda 5

  12.4% All 2012 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 1.5% of all 2012 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 joint2.1× usual
  Mazda 5

  12% All 2012 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.8%, against 3% of all 2012 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.

• Chassis rust or damage7.3× usual
  Mazda 5

  5.1% All 2012 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Common 2012 Mazda 5 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Mazda 5 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  55% 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
  35% 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
  34% 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 electrics
  26% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Exhaust and emissions
  15% 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.

• 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 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 anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.9× as often on the 2012 Mazda 5 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2012 Mazda 5 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2012 Mazda 5 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?