Mazda 2: what fails at MOT
169,000 MOT tests on the Mazda 2 in 2024, counted. 30.4% failed at the first attempt.
The short answer
30.4% of Mazda 2 tests failed at the first attempt. Cars of the same ages averaged 28.7%, so the 2 is about average for its age.
It fails most often on suspension (9.5% of tests), lights and electrics (8.1% of tests) and tyres (4.7% of tests). It fails on suspension, wipers, washers and windscreen and steering more often than most cars its age.
By year of registration
Older cars fail more, whatever the model. So each year is shown beside the figure for all cars first used that year.
| First used | Tests | Failed first time | All cars that year | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 5,302 | 8.0% | 10.9% | 16,000 10,500 to 23,300 |
| 2020 | 5,489 | 8.8% | 11.5% | 20,100 13,400 to 28,700 |
| 2019 | 10,826 | 11.2% | 13.4% | 25,700 17,400 to 35,600 |
| 2018 | 10,829 | 13.3% | 15.6% | 32,600 22,300 to 44,500 |
| 2017 | 9,988 | 14.6% | 18.2% | 39,200 27,000 to 54,200 |
| 2016 | 13,119 | 18.5% | 21.3% | 47,700 33,500 to 63,900 |
| 2015 | 12,929 | 22.0% | 24.4% | 53,900 38,800 to 70,800 |
| 2014 | 11,108 | 31.4% | 27.7% | 56,700 41,400 to 74,100 |
| 2013 | 11,471 | 34.8% | 30.6% | 64,600 47,000 to 82,900 |
| 2012 | 11,881 | 36.0% | 33.4% | 67,200 48,500 to 87,600 |
| 2011 | 14,084 | 40.2% | 36.1% | 74,200 54,600 to 94,800 |
| 2010 | 16,847 | 44.4% | 38.6% | 83,500 63,200 to 104,400 |
| 2009 | 16,652 | 46.5% | 39.8% | 89,200 67,600 to 111,200 |
| 2008 | 10,716 | 48.2% | 41.5% | 95,100 73,800 to 116,900 |
| 2007 | 3,526 | 42.4% | 41.5% | 86,100 63,300 to 112,500 |
| 2006 | 1,654 | 41.5% | 42.4% | 77,300 58,500 to 101,900 |
| 2005 | 1,406 | 45.9% | 42.2% | 82,000 59,800 to 106,200 |
| 2004 | 1,134 | 44.9% | 42.3% | 85,200 63,100 to 108,800 |
Green is at least three points better than other cars that year, red at least three points worse. Typical mileage is the middle reading at the test, with the range the middle half of cars fell in.
Where it fails
The share of Mazda 2 tests with at least one failure in each part of the MOT, beside what cars of the same ages average.
| Part of the test | 2 | Cars its age | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 9.5% | 6.7% | More than most |
| Lights and electrics | 8.1% | 8.1% | |
| Tyres | 4.7% | 4.4% | |
| Wipers, washers and windscreen | 4.4% | 3.2% | More than most |
| Brakes | 3.6% | 4.8% | |
| Steering | 2.8% | 1.4% | More than most |
| Exhaust and emissions | 1.5% | 2.3% | Less than most |
| Body and structure | 1.2% | 2.5% | Less than most |
The parts that fail most
- Ball joint4.6%
- Wheel3.7%
- Headlamp aim2.9%
- Side light2.7%
- Wipers2.5%
- Headlamp2.4%
- Track rod end2.4%
- Coil spring2.4%
- Shock absorbers2.0%
- Washers1.9%
Share of tests with a failure on that part.
The most common failures
- Ball joint: excessively worn4.4%
- Side light: not working2.7%
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.5%
- Coil spring: fractured or broken2.4%
- Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play2.3%
- Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect1.7%
- Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak1.6%
- Tyre tread: below requirements of 1.6mm1.5%
- Brake pipes: excessively corroded1.2%
- Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.1%
What testers warn about
Advisories are things that passed this time but are wearing. They are the best guide to next year's bills.
- Tyre tread: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge12.2%
- Tyre: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing8.3%
- Brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material7.0%
- Brake pads: wearing thin4.6%
- Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened4.1%
- Sub-frame: corroded but not seriously weakened3.9%
- Ball joint: has slight play2.9%
- Coil spring: corroded2.8%
What these figures can't tell you
An MOT is a safety and emissions test. These figures show how often the model fails that test. They say nothing about engines, gearboxes or electronics that break between tests, and how a car has been looked after matters more than its badge. The car you are looking at has its own MOT record, and that is the one to read.
Ask before you travel
- “Have any suspension parts been replaced, such as springs, ball joints or bushes, and can I see the invoice?”
- “Do the wipers and washers work properly, and is the windscreen chipped or cracked?”
- “Is there any play, knocking or stiffness in the steering?”
- “Do all the lights work, including the number plate lights and brake lights?”
Check a Mazda 2's own MOT record
Type the registration from the advert. You'll see every test that car has had, what it failed on and what it was warned about, free.
Where this comes from
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2024, published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. The counting is Hindsight's own.
First-attempt MOT tests of cars first used 2004 to 2021. A test counts as failed if it failed or only passed after a repair during the test. Retests are left out. Built on 13 November 2026.