Mazda CX-5: what fails at MOT
97,000 MOT tests on the Mazda CX-5 in 2024, counted. 17.3% failed at the first attempt.
The short answer
17.3% of Mazda CX-5 tests failed at the first attempt. Cars of the same ages averaged 19%, so the CX-5 is about average for its age.
It fails most often on suspension (3.4% of tests), brakes (2.8% of tests) and tyres (2.7% of tests). It fails on 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 | 8,643 | 10.1% | 10.9% | 23,900 17,200 to 31,200 |
| 2020 | 8,597 | 11.2% | 11.5% | 29,400 21,800 to 38,400 |
| 2019 | 15,643 | 12.2% | 13.4% | 37,100 27,800 to 47,600 |
| 2018 | 14,690 | 12.8% | 15.6% | 47,100 35,900 to 59,700 |
| 2017 | 10,210 | 15.3% | 18.2% | 58,800 44,900 to 74,100 |
| 2016 | 10,001 | 19.2% | 21.3% | 69,300 54,400 to 86,900 |
| 2015 | 10,106 | 22.1% | 24.4% | 79,400 62,800 to 96,100 |
| 2014 | 9,526 | 25.7% | 27.7% | 87,200 69,800 to 104,900 |
| 2013 | 7,419 | 31.4% | 30.6% | 94,400 76,000 to 112,700 |
| 2012 | 2,015 | 31.1% | 33.4% | 97,200 79,400 to 115,200 |
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 CX-5 tests with at least one failure in each part of the MOT, beside what cars of the same ages average.
| Part of the test | CX-5 | Cars its age | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 3.4% | 3.0% | |
| Brakes | 2.8% | 2.7% | |
| Tyres | 2.7% | 3.8% | Less than most |
| Lights and electrics | 2.1% | 4.1% | Less than most |
| Wipers, washers and windscreen | 2.0% | 2.3% | |
| Steering | 1.6% | 0.7% | More than most |
| Exhaust and emissions | 1.0% | 1.1% |
The parts that fail most
- Brake pads1.9%
- Seat belt1.7%
- Track rod end1.6%
- Wipers1.4%
- Coil spring1.0%
- Tyre tread1.0%
- Headlamp aim1.0%
- Ball joint0.9%
- Engine warning light0.6%
- Washers0.6%
Share of tests with a failure on that part.
The most common failures
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.8%
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.4%
- Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play1.2%
- Coil spring: fractured or broken1.0%
- Tyre: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.0%
- Tyre tread: below requirements of 1.6mm0.9%
- Ball joint: excessively worn0.8%
- Engine warning light: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.6%
- Headlamp aim: too high0.6%
- Side light: not working0.5%
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 edge9.9%
- Brake pads: wearing thin7.7%
- Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened6.5%
- Tyre: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing5.5%
- Suspension pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement3.5%
- Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt2.4%
- Brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material1.8%
- Brake discs: worn, but not excessively1.6%
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
- “Is there any play, knocking or stiffness in the steering?”
- “Have any suspension parts been replaced, such as springs, ball joints or bushes, and can I see the invoice?”
- “When were the brake pads and discs last changed?”
- “How much tread is left on each tyre, and how old are they?”
Check a Mazda CX-5'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.