2019 Mazda CX-5 — MOT failures & pass rate
44,341 MOT tests on the 2019 Mazda CX-5 are in this dataset, and 92.0% of them passed. Against mid-size SUVs of a similar age (9.5% fail rate), the 2019 CX-5 comes out 1.4pp better. Failures cluster in tyres, brakes and visibility.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — tyres (3.2%) and brakes (2.8%) 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 1,331 times.
Condition tracks the odometer closely. Failures run at 5.8% in the 0-30k band and 11.3% in the 120-150k band, a 5.5-point spread.
Fuel type barely separates them — petrol fails 7.8% of the time against 8.6% for diesel.
Tyres is the most common advisory, noted on 20.1% of tests — work that passed today but is likely due soon.
The trend is worsening — 4.3% of tests failed in 2021 against 9.4% in 2025, the usual pattern as a fleet ages.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyres | 3.2% | 1,411 |
| 2 | Brakes | 2.8% | 1,233 |
| 3 | Visibility | 2.5% | 1,130 |
| 4 | Lighting & signalling | 2.5% | 1,108 |
| 5 | Emissions & environmental | 0.7% | 293 |
| 6 | Seat belts & restraints | 0.5% | 221 |
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 | 1,331 |
| 2 | Brake pads | 1,102 |
| 3 | Wipers | 1,084 |
| 4 | Tread depth | 439 |
| 5 | Malfunction indicator lamp | 265 |
| 6 | Washers | 251 |
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 | 20.1% | 8,916 |
| 2 | Brakes | 18.6% | 8,268 |
| 3 | Other defects | 7.6% | 3,387 |
| 4 | Visibility | 4.0% | 1,772 |
| 5 | Suspension | 3.9% | 1,747 |
| 6 | Lighting & signalling | 1.0% | 452 |
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 | 19,094 | 5.8% |
| 30-60k | 20,661 | 9.3% |
| 60-90k | 3,898 | 11.7% |
| 90-120k | 565 | 11.9% |
| 120-150k | 97 | 11.3% |
Failure rate by age
By fuel type
| Fuel | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 31,074 | 7.8% |
| Diesel | 13,267 | 8.6% |
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 325 | 4.3% |
| 2022 | 11,062 | 6.1% |
| 2023 | 10,989 | 7.7% |
| 2024 | 10,945 | 9.1% |
| 2025 | 11,020 | 9.4% |
What to check before buying a 2019 CX-5
The failure pattern for this year is specific enough to inspect against: tyres accounted for 3.2% of tests. Start there.
- Tyres (3.2% of tests): Usually a quick, known-cost fix, but check tread, age and uneven wear (which can hint at alignment or suspension issues). Typical repair: £50–£120 per tyre.
- Brakes (2.8% 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.
- Visibility (2.5% 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.
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 2019 Mazda CX-5s pass their MOT?
92.0% of the 44,341 2019 Mazda CX-5 MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 8.0% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2019 Mazda CX-5?
Tyres, recorded in 3.2% of tests, followed by brakes (2.8%).
Does the 2019 CX-5 get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 5.8% in the 0-30k band to 11.3% in the 120-150k band.
Methodology & source. Based on 44,341 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.