2013 Mazda CX-5 — MOT failures & pass rate
32,828 MOT tests on the 2013 Mazda CX-5 are in this dataset, and 79.0% of them passed. That is effectively the same as mid-size SUVs of a similar age (20.2% fail rate), so the MOT record here is unremarkable in either direction. Failures cluster in suspension, steering and brakes.
What the MOT record shows
One area stands out: suspension, recorded in 10.4% of tests against 6.8% for the next-worst category.
At component level the recurring items are track rod end, ball joint and brake pads — track rod end alone was recorded 2,641 times.
Mileage is the strongest signal on the record: 10.3% of 0-30k cars fail, rising to 26.2% once past 150k — 2.5× the risk.
Fuel type barely separates them — petrol fails 20.7% of the time against 21.0% for diesel.
Tyres is the most common advisory, noted on 25.3% of tests — work that passed today but is likely due soon.
The trend is worsening — 16.3% of tests failed in 2021 against 24.2% in 2025, the usual pattern as a fleet ages.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 10.4% | 3,412 |
| 2 | Steering | 6.8% | 2,223 |
| 3 | Brakes | 4.5% | 1,467 |
| 4 | Tyres | 4.0% | 1,327 |
| 5 | Lighting & signalling | 3.9% | 1,290 |
| 6 | Visibility | 2.9% | 965 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Track rod end | 2,641 |
| 2 | Ball joint | 1,519 |
| 3 | Brake pads | 964 |
| 4 | Tread depth | 935 |
| 5 | Coil spring | 749 |
| 6 | Wipers | 686 |
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 | 25.3% | 8,297 |
| 2 | Brakes | 24.2% | 7,932 |
| 3 | Suspension | 24.1% | 7,927 |
| 4 | Other defects | 9.9% | 3,261 |
| 5 | Steering | 9.4% | 3,087 |
| 6 | Visibility | 4.7% | 1,533 |
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 | 340 | 10.3% |
| 30-60k | 4,658 | 13.8% |
| 60-90k | 12,316 | 20.1% |
| 90-120k | 10,765 | 23.6% |
| 120-150k | 3,819 | 25.0% |
| 150k+ | 925 | 26.2% |
Failure rate by age
By fuel type
| Fuel | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| Diesel | 28,013 | 21.0% |
| Petrol | 4,815 | 20.7% |
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 6,578 | 16.3% |
| 2022 | 6,742 | 19.2% |
| 2023 | 6,778 | 22.0% |
| 2024 | 6,563 | 23.4% |
| 2025 | 6,167 | 24.2% |
What to check before buying a 2013 CX-5
The failure pattern for this year is specific enough to inspect against: suspension accounted for 10.4% of tests. Start there.
- Suspension (10.4% of tests): Worn drop links, bushes, springs or shocks — listen for knocks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear. Typical repair: £150–£450 per corner.
- Steering (6.8% of tests): Play, leaks or worn track rod ends — affects handling and is a safety item. Typical repair: £150–£500.
- Brakes (4.5% 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.
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 2013 Mazda CX-5s pass their MOT?
79.0% of the 32,828 2013 Mazda CX-5 MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 21.0% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2013 Mazda CX-5?
Suspension, recorded in 10.4% of tests, followed by steering (6.8%).
Does the 2013 CX-5 get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 10.3% in the 0-30k band to 26.2% in the 150k+ band.
Methodology & source. Based on 32,828 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.