2002 Mazda Mx-5 + — MOT failures & pass rate
Across 21,657 MOT tests analysed for the 2002 Mazda Mx-5 +, the most common recorded failure areas were brakes, suspension and lighting & signalling. Its pass rate of 74.7% was below the average for coupes & convertibles of a similar age (76.9%). Higher-mileage examples failed more often — 29.4% in the 150k+ group versus 9.9% in the 0-30k group.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brakes | 11.1% | 2,409 |
| 2 | Suspension | 10.1% | 2,179 |
| 3 | Lighting & signalling | 9.9% | 2,136 |
| 4 | Emissions & environmental | 6.9% | 1,494 |
| 5 | Body, structure & corrosion | 5.1% | 1,106 |
| 6 | Visibility | 4.0% | 875 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Component mounting prescribed areas | 1,507 |
| 2 | Catalyst emissions | 1,462 |
| 3 | Prescribed areas | 1,149 |
| 4 | Position lamp | 954 |
| 5 | Service brake performance | 871 |
| 6 | Coil spring | 847 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 30.8% | 6,678 |
| 2 | Brakes | 28.8% | 6,242 |
| 3 | Tyres | 16.9% | 3,661 |
| 4 | Body, structure & corrosion | 14.9% | 3,236 |
| 5 | Emissions & environmental | 11.1% | 2,409 |
| 6 | Lighting & signalling | 8.6% | 1,870 |
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 | 799 | 9.9% |
| 30-60k | 4,108 | 19.1% |
| 60-90k | 7,616 | 26.2% |
| 90-120k | 5,632 | 27.8% |
| 120-150k | 2,287 | 30.9% |
| 150k+ | 1,203 | 29.4% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 5,442 | 26.9% |
| 2022 | 4,818 | 25.1% |
| 2023 | 4,356 | 24.6% |
| 2024 | 3,665 | 24.9% |
| 2025 | 3,376 | 24.8% |
What to check before buying a 2002 Mx-5 +
Before buying a 2002 Mazda Mx-5 +, focus on the areas it most often fails on. Brakes accounted for 11.1% of tests for this year.
- Brakes (11.1% 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.
- Suspension (10.1% 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.
- Lighting & signalling (9.9% 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 2002 Mazda Mx-5 +s pass their MOT?
74.7% of the 21,657 2002 Mazda Mx-5 + MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 25.4% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2002 Mazda Mx-5 +?
Brakes, recorded in 11.1% of tests, followed by suspension (10.1%).
Does the 2002 Mx-5 + get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 9.9% in the 0-30k band to 29.4% in the 150k+ band.
Methodology & source. Based on 21,657 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-01. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.