2015 Mazda Bongo: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2015 Mazda Bongo?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2015 Mazda Bongo than on all cars registered in 2015.

• Headlights8× usual
  Mazda Bongo

  15.2% All 2015 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.3%, against 1.6% of all 2015 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.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings113× usual
  Mazda Bongo

  11.3% All 2015 cars

  0.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.3%, against 0% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

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

• Engine oil leaks5.1× usual
  Mazda Bongo

  12.2% All 2015 cars

  2.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.1% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Rear fog light18.6× usual
  Mazda Bongo

  9.3% All 2015 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9%, against 0.4% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Ball joint dust cover6.3× usual
  Mazda Bongo

  8.2% All 2015 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 0.5% of all 2015 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 2015 Mazda Bongo MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2015 Mazda Bongo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  40% 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
  38% 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
  29% 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.

• Tyres
  21% 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.

• 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  14% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2015 Mazda Bongo

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 8× as often on the 2015 Mazda Bongo as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 113× as often on the 2015 Mazda Bongo as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 5.1× as often on the 2015 Mazda Bongo as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?