Most Reliable Mazda Models: Real MOT Data Analysis
We analysed 534,605 real UK MOT tests to reveal which Mazda models pass most often, which years to buy, and which to avoid entirely.
534,605 MOT tests analysed
Real DVSA data covering every Mazda model from 1986-2023
Key Findings
Most Reliable Model
Mazda CX-30
93.8% pass rate
Best Single Year
MX-5 2010 Petrol
75.4% pass rate
Mazda vs National Average
71.9% vs 71.4%
+0.5% above average
Proven Durability Champion
MX-5
+13.2% at 11-14 years
Mazda sits near the middle of UK manufacturer rankings. We analysed 534,605 real MOT tests from the DVSA database to identify which Mazda models outperform the brand average and which to avoid.
This isn't survey data or owner opinions. These are actual pass/fail results from UK garages, covering Mazda models sold in the UK from 2000 to 2023.
How Mazda Compares to Rivals
Mazda ranks #128 out of 180 manufacturers with a 71.9% average MOT pass rate. That's above the national average of 71.4%:
| Manufacturer | Pass Rate | Rank | Tests Analysed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kia | 73.9% | #114 | 886,268 |
| Toyota | 73.8% | #115 | 1,637,457 |
| Hyundai | 73.2% | #118 | 859,247 |
| Suzuki | 73.0% | #120 | 432,580 |
| Honda | 72.1% | #126 | 939,496 |
| Mazda | 71.9% | #128 | 534,605 |
| Nissan | 68.6% | #142 | 1,626,183 |
The verdict: Kia maintains a lead among competitors, while Mazda sits at #128.
Best Mazda Models by MOT Pass Rate
Looking at overall reliability across all years, here's how Mazda's core models rank against the 71.4% national average:
| Model | Pass Rate | vs National (71.4%) | Tests | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX-30 | 93.8% | +22.3% | 6,685 | 2019-2022 |
| cx-3 | 87.0% | +15.5% | 25,466 | 2015-2020 |
| CX-5 | 82.0% | +10.5% | 61,626 | 2012-2023 |
| 2 | 70.2% | -1.2% | 127,390 | 1997-2022 |
| 6 | 70.2% | -1.3% | 67,379 | 1997-2021 |
| 3 | 68.4% | -3.1% | 110,072 | 2003-2023 |
| RX-8 | 67.8% | -3.7% | 3,346 | 2003-2011 |
| CX-7 | 58.4% | -13.1% | 1,641 | 2003-2013 |
| BONGO | 55.0% | -16.5% | 10,777 | 1986-2021 |
| 5 | 52.8% | -18.7% | 12,356 | 1994-2021 |
* Compared to overall 71.4% national average across all years. For year-adjusted comparisons that account for newer cars passing more often, see individual model breakdowns below.
Top performer
The CX-30 achieves a 93.8% pass rate, 22 percentage points above the national average.
Proven Durability Champions: Which Mazda Models Age Best?
These Mazda models show solid long-term reliability based on 11+ years of MOT data. Here's how they compare to the national average for cars of the same age:
High-confidence data: Only vehicles with 11+ years of MOT history and 100+ tests are included in this ranking.
| Model | Year | Fuel | vs Same-Age Average | Tested At | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MX-5 | - | All | +13.2% | 11-14 years | 77.9% |
| MX-5 | - | All | +12.7% | 15-17 years | 70.5% |
| RX-8 | - | All | +11.7% | 15-17 years | 69.5% |
| RX-8 | - | All | +9.5% | 18-20 years | 65.7% |
| MX-5 | - | All | +8.1% | 18-20 years | 64.2% |
| CX-5 | - | All | +4.1% | 11-14 years | 68.7% |
| MX-5 | - | All | +3.8% | 21+ years | 64.8% |
| 2 | - | All | +1.7% | 18-20 years | 57.9% |
| EUNOS | - | All | +1.6% | 21+ years | 62.6% |
| BT-50 | - | All | +1.5% | 15-17 years | 59.3% |
How to read this: A score of "+15%" means the model passes MOTs 15 percentage points more often than the average car of the same age. These are proven results from vehicles that have genuinely aged well.
Early Performers: Strong Start, Unproven Durability
These newer Mazda models (3-6 years old) show strong early results, but haven't yet proven long-term durability:
Important caveat: Durability NOT yet proven - too early to assess long-term reliability. Older versions of the same model may tell a different story at 11+ years.
| Model | Year | Fuel | vs Same-Age Average | Tested At | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MX-5 | - | All | +11.2% | 8-10 years | 86.6% |
| CX-30 | - | All | +9.0% | 3-7 years | 93.8% |
| MX-5 | - | All | +7.2% | 3-7 years | 91.9% |
| cx-3 | - | All | +5.6% | 8-10 years | 81.0% |
| cx-3 | - | All | +4.6% | 3-7 years | 89.4% |
| 2 | - | All | +4.0% | 3-7 years | 88.8% |
| CX-5 | - | All | +2.7% | 8-10 years | 78.1% |
| 2 | - | All | +2.5% | 8-10 years | 78.0% |
What this means: These models are performing well in their early years, but we recommend checking the Durability Champions section above to see how older versions of the same model family have fared over time.
Mazda 2: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The 2 has 127,390 tests in our database with an overall 70.2% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Petrol | 92.0% | +4.4% | 4,165 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 91.0% | +4.8% | 8,450 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 88.0% | +3.8% | 8,118 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 85.4% | +3.7% | 7,647 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 81.3% | +2.6% | 9,679 |
| 2015 | Petrol | 79.2% | +3.7% | 9,710 |
| 2014 | Petrol | 72.8% | +1.1% | 8,487 |
| 2013 | Petrol | 67.6% | -0.7% | 8,625 |
| 2012 | Petrol | 65.4% | -0.2% | 8,851 |
| 2011 | Petrol | 61.9% | -1.1% | 10,446 |
| 2010 | Petrol | 57.1% | -3.4% | 12,692 |
| 2009 | Petrol | 56.6% | -2.4% | 11,971 |
| ... | ||||
| 2010 | Petrol | 57.1% | -3.4% | 12,692 |
| 2009 | Petrol | 56.6% | -2.4% | 11,971 |
| 2009 | Diesel | 50.6% | -8.4% | 1,010 |
2 verdict: The 2020 petrol model achieves a 92.0% pass rate (21 points above average). Avoid the 2010 petrol (57.1%).
Avoid 2004-2010 2s
The 2010 petrol 2 has a 57.1% pass rate, well below the national average.
Mazda 3: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The 3 has 110,072 tests in our database with an overall 68.4% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Petrol | 90.3% | +2.7% | 4,333 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 90.7% | +4.5% | 4,139 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 85.2% | +1.0% | 6,501 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 77.4% | -6.9% | 570 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 77.9% | -3.8% | 7,065 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 72.5% | -9.2% | 1,162 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 75.5% | -3.1% | 8,599 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 74.8% | -3.8% | 2,088 |
| 2015 | Petrol | 75.7% | +0.2% | 9,504 |
| 2015 | Diesel | 71.7% | -3.8% | 2,394 |
| 2014 | Petrol | 73.7% | +2.0% | 6,653 |
| 2014 | Diesel | 70.2% | -1.5% | 1,845 |
| ... | ||||
| 2011 | Diesel | 59.8% | -3.1% | 1,138 |
| 2010 | Diesel | 56.5% | -4.0% | 1,945 |
| 2009 | Petrol | 57.3% | -1.7% | 6,965 |
3 verdict: The 2020 petrol model achieves a 90.3% pass rate (19 points above average). Avoid the 2011 diesel (59.8%).
Avoid 2004-2011 3s
The 2011 diesel 3 has a 59.8% pass rate, well below the national average.
Mazda 6: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The 6 has 67,379 tests in our database with an overall 70.2% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Petrol | 92.6% | +5.0% | 895 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 90.7% | +4.5% | 2,949 |
| 2019 | Diesel | 88.1% | +1.9% | 1,516 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 87.1% | +2.9% | 1,746 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 85.0% | +0.7% | 1,524 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 83.7% | +2.0% | 1,877 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 81.0% | -0.7% | 2,879 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 79.5% | +0.9% | 2,029 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 78.1% | -0.6% | 4,973 |
| 2015 | Petrol | 78.4% | +2.9% | 1,609 |
| 2015 | Diesel | 76.3% | +0.8% | 5,229 |
| 2014 | Petrol | 77.3% | +5.6% | 1,467 |
| ... | ||||
| 2011 | Diesel | 59.3% | -3.7% | 2,999 |
| 2010 | Diesel | 59.3% | -1.2% | 3,219 |
| 2009 | Diesel | 59.6% | +0.6% | 1,983 |
6 verdict: The 2020 petrol model achieves a 92.6% pass rate (21 points above average). Avoid the 2011 diesel (59.3%).
Avoid 2005-2011 6s
The 2011 diesel 6 has a 59.3% pass rate, well below the national average.
Mazda CX-5: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The CX-5 has 61,626 tests in our database with an overall 82.0% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Petrol | 90.4% | +2.7% | 4,600 |
| 2020 | Diesel | 89.5% | +1.9% | 1,204 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 88.9% | +2.6% | 7,138 |
| 2019 | Diesel | 86.9% | +0.7% | 3,054 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 87.2% | +3.0% | 4,774 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 84.5% | +0.3% | 5,341 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 85.8% | +4.1% | 1,998 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 84.4% | +2.8% | 5,195 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 83.2% | +4.5% | 1,384 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 80.2% | +1.6% | 5,716 |
| 2015 | Petrol | 79.4% | +4.0% | 1,036 |
| 2015 | Diesel | 77.8% | +2.4% | 6,138 |
CX-5 verdict: The 2020 petrol model achieves a 90.4% pass rate (19 points above average).
Mazda cx-3: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The cx-3 has 25,466 tests in our database with an overall 87.0% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Petrol | 91.2% | +5.0% | 7,406 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 89.4% | +5.2% | 5,168 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 87.5% | +5.8% | 4,220 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 83.8% | +2.1% | 634 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 81.2% | +2.5% | 3,898 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 78.0% | -0.7% | 1,030 |
| 2015 | Petrol | 83.7% | +8.2% | 1,771 |
| 2015 | Diesel | 77.2% | +1.7% | 623 |
cx-3 verdict: The 2019 petrol model achieves a 91.2% pass rate (20 points above average).
Mazda Hybrids vs Petrol vs Diesel
Reliability varies by fuel type for Mazda. Here's how each performs:
| Fuel Type | Average Pass Rate | vs National | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | 100.0% | +28.6% | 27 |
| Petrol | 72.2% | +0.8% | 422,188 |
| Diesel | 70.8% | -0.6% | 112,176 |
Mazda Models to Avoid
Not all Mazdas are reliable. These specific model/year combinations have failure rates well above average:
| Model | Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 2007 | Petrol | 43.4% | 1,743 |
| 5 | 2009 | Petrol | 48.1% | 1,122 |
| 2 | 2008 | Diesel | 47.1% | 560 |
| 5 | 2006 | Petrol | 46.1% | 807 |
| 5 | 2008 | Petrol | 47.4% | 1,850 |
| BONGO | 2007 | Diesel | 47.8% | 728 |
| 3 | 2004 | Petrol | 47.2% | 965 |
| 2 | 2009 | Diesel | 50.6% | 1,009 |
| BONGO | 2006 | Diesel | 47.9% | 655 |
| 6 | 2005 | Petrol | 48.3% | 1,054 |
Pattern to avoid
Early 2006-2009 petrol 5s, 2008-2009 diesel 2s, 2006-2007 diesel BONGOs are the models that drag down Mazda's average. The BONGO performs 14% worse than the average car of the same age at 11-14 years - this is proven poor durability. These vehicles fail MOTs more often than they pass.
What Goes Wrong on Mazdas?
When Mazdas fail MOTs, these are the most common causes:
| Failure Category | Total Failures |
|---|---|
| 1. Suspension | 58,423 |
| 2. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 50,689 |
| 3. Brakes | 36,303 |
| 4. Tyres | 28,313 |
| 5. Visibility | 24,275 |
| 6. Noise, emissions and leaks | 17,511 |
| 7. Body, chassis, structure | 13,121 |
Pre-MOT checklist for Mazda owners:
- Inspect suspension bushes and anti-roll bar links
- Check all bulbs (number plate lights are commonly missed)
- Check brake pad thickness and disc condition
- Ensure tyres meet 1.6mm tread requirement
- Clean windscreen and check wiper blade condition
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Buying Recommendations
Best If Buying Nearly New
2019-2023 models with highest early pass rates
- CX-30 GT SPORT MHEV AUTO 2020 Petrol: 96% pass rate
- MX-5 2019 Petrol: 94% pass rate
- CX-30 GT SPORT TECH MHEV 2020 Petrol: 95% pass rate
- CX-30 GT SPORT MHEV 2020 Petrol: 94% pass rate
Note: Long-term durability not yet proven for these newer models
Best If Buying Used (Proven)
11+ years of proven durability data
- MX-5 (11-14 years): +9% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
- RX-8 (15-17 years): +11% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
Mazda Models to Avoid (Proven Poor)
Proven below average at 11+ years - not just old, genuinely problematic
- BONGO (11-14 years): -8% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average at 11-14 years)
- 5 (15-17 years): -9% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average at 15-17 years)
- 3 (18-20 years): -5% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average at 18-20 years)
About This Data
This analysis uses real MOT test results from the DVSA database, covering 534,605 tests on Mazda vehicles between 2000 and 2023.
Year-Adjusted Scoring (v2.1): In year-by-year breakdowns, each vehicle is compared against the national average for vehicles of the same model year. This removes the natural bias where newer cars pass more often, allowing fair comparisons across eras.
Evidence-Tiered Durability: We separate "proven durability" (vehicles tested at 11+ years old) from "early performers" (3-6 years old). Only vehicles with proven long-term data are used for durability claims. Age-band comparisons use weighted national averages.
Minimum thresholds: 100 tests for proven durability rankings, 100 tests for early performer rankings. Pass rates are calculated as first-time passes, excluding retests.
The overall national average MOT pass rate is 71.44% based on 32,300,000 tests across all manufacturers. Year-specific averages range from ~59% (2009 vehicles) to ~88% (2020 vehicles).
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