2021 Mazda 2 -L — MOT failures & pass rate
1,451 MOT tests on the 2021 Mazda 2 -L are in this dataset, and 95.0% of them passed. Against all cars of a similar age (8.6% fail rate), the 2021 2 -L comes out 3.6pp better. Failures cluster in visibility, brakes and lighting & signalling.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — visibility (2.9%) and brakes (2.2%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are headlamp aim, brake pads and wipers — headlamp aim alone was recorded 34 times.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: tyres was flagged on 14.1% of tests without failing them.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Visibility | 2.9% | 42 |
| 2 | Brakes | 2.2% | 32 |
| 3 | Lighting & signalling | 2.1% | 31 |
| 4 | Tyres | 1.9% | 27 |
| 5 | Body, structure & corrosion | 0.3% | 4 |
| 6 | Suspension | 0.2% | 3 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Headlamp aim | 34 |
| 2 | Brake pads | 34 |
| 3 | Wipers | 32 |
| 4 | Washers | 19 |
| 5 | Tread depth | 10 |
| 6 | Position lamp | 7 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyres | 14.1% | 204 |
| 2 | Brakes | 11.1% | 161 |
| 3 | Other defects | 4.2% | 61 |
| 4 | Visibility | 2.5% | 37 |
| 5 | Suspension | 1.0% | 15 |
| 6 | Lighting & signalling | 0.2% | 3 |
Failure rate by mileage
Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.
| Mileage band | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 0-30k | 1,120 | 3.6% |
| 30-60k | 305 | 9.8% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 709 | 4.2% |
| 2025 | 712 | 5.6% |
What to check before buying a 2021 2 -L
On a 2021 2 -L, visibility is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 2.9% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Visibility (2.9% of tests): Wipers, washers, mirrors and screen damage — usually inexpensive, but check for chips in the driver's line of sight. Typical repair: £15–£150.
- Brakes (2.2% of tests): Pads/discs are routine wear; binding, imbalance or corroded pipes are more serious — test for pulling under braking. Typical repair: £100–£350 per axle.
- Lighting & signalling (2.1% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
Repair costs are rough UK ballpark ranges to set expectations, not quotes — actual prices vary widely by car, parts and garage.
Frequently asked questions
How many 2021 Mazda 2 -Ls pass their MOT?
95.0% of the 1,451 2021 Mazda 2 -L MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 5.0% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2021 Mazda 2 -L?
Visibility, recorded in 2.9% of tests, followed by brakes (2.2%).
Does the 2021 2 -L get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 3.6% in the 0-30k band to 9.8% in the 30-60k band.
Methodology & source. Based on 1,451 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-27. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.