2021 Mazda MX-5: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Mazda MX-5 first registered in 2021: we looked at the 1,464 MOTs these cars had during 2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Common 2021 Mazda MX-5 MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2021 Mazda MX-5 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres16% 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.
- Brakes10% 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.
- Suspension3% 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 mirrors3% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Lights and electrics2% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2021 Mazda MX-5
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Mazda MX-5?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Mazda MX-5 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2022 | 1,355 | Tyres 10% |
| 2020 | 1,057 | Tyres 19% |
| 2019 | 4,003 | Tyres 19% |
| 2018 | 4,240 | Brakes 21% |
| 2017 | 4,566 | Brakes 22% |
| 2016 | 4,088 | Brakes 25% |
| 2015 | 2,975 | Brakes 21% |
| 2014 | 2,835 | Brakes 22% |
| 2013 | 3,079 | Suspension 25% |
| 2012 | 3,097 | Suspension 25% |
| 2011 | 3,362 | Suspension 30% |
| 2010 | 4,591 | Suspension 31% |
| 2009 | 4,060 | Suspension 33% |
| 2008 | 5,189 | Suspension 37% |
| 2007 | 7,291 | Suspension 38% |
| 2006 | 5,875 | Suspension 40% |
| 2005 | 2,954 | Suspension 36% |
| 2004 | 2,762 | Suspension 37% |
| 2003 | 3,549 | Suspension 38% |
| 2002 | 2,812 | Suspension 37% |
| 2001 | 1,741 | Suspension 37% |
| 2000 | 2,398 | Suspension 35% |
| 1999 | 2,406 | Brakes 35% |
| 1998 | 2,306 | Suspension 33% |
| 1997 | 1,709 | Brakes 32% |
| 1996 | 1,155 | Brakes 33% |
| 1995 | 778 | Suspension 31% |
| 1994 | 493 | Suspension 31% |
| 1993 | 575 | Brakes 34% |
| 1992 | 590 | Suspension 38% |
| 1991 | 798 | Brakes 35% |
| 1990 | 744 | Brakes 31% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2025, counting the MOTs of Mazda MX-5 cars first registered in 2021. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score