2007 Mazda MX-5 — MOT failures & pass rate
47,708 MOT tests on the 2007 Mazda MX-5 are in this dataset, and 79.0% of them passed. Coupes & convertibles of a similar age fail at 21.6%, so the 2007 MX-5 sits squarely on the average. Failures cluster in suspension, lighting & signalling and brakes.
What the MOT record shows
Suspension dominates the failure mix at 11.6% of all tests — 5.0 points clear of lighting & signalling, so it is the first thing to check.
At component level the recurring items are coil spring, service brake performance and component mounting prescribed areas — coil spring alone was recorded 2,583 times.
Condition tracks the odometer closely. Failures run at 11.5% in the 0-30k band and 29.6% in the 150k+ band, a 18.1-point spread — more than double.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: suspension was flagged on 26.8% of tests without failing them.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 11.6% | 5,544 |
| 2 | Lighting & signalling | 6.7% | 3,177 |
| 3 | Brakes | 6.1% | 2,930 |
| 4 | Visibility | 3.9% | 1,869 |
| 5 | Emissions & environmental | 3.4% | 1,596 |
| 6 | Tyres | 2.7% | 1,301 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coil spring | 2,583 |
| 2 | Service brake performance | 2,059 |
| 3 | Component mounting prescribed areas | 1,734 |
| 4 | Headlamp aim | 1,537 |
| 5 | Catalyst emissions | 1,415 |
| 6 | Wipers | 1,316 |
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 | 26.8% | 12,783 |
| 2 | Brakes | 24.1% | 11,508 |
| 3 | Tyres | 18.1% | 8,644 |
| 4 | Lighting & signalling | 6.5% | 3,110 |
| 5 | Body, structure & corrosion | 5.3% | 2,521 |
| 6 | Other defects | 3.9% | 1,858 |
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 | 2,615 | 11.5% |
| 30-60k | 13,968 | 16.6% |
| 60-90k | 18,079 | 22.0% |
| 90-120k | 9,412 | 25.4% |
| 120-150k | 2,656 | 28.9% |
| 150k+ | 930 | 29.6% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 10,119 | 20.8% |
| 2022 | 9,854 | 20.1% |
| 2023 | 9,688 | 21.4% |
| 2024 | 9,201 | 21.4% |
| 2025 | 8,846 | 21.7% |
What to check before buying a 2007 MX-5
On a 2007 MX-5, suspension is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 11.6% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Suspension (11.6% 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 (6.7% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Brakes (6.1% 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.
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 2007 Mazda MX-5s pass their MOT?
79.0% of the 47,708 2007 Mazda MX-5 MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 21.1% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2007 Mazda MX-5?
Suspension, recorded in 11.6% of tests, followed by lighting & signalling (6.7%).
Does the 2007 MX-5 get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 11.5% in the 0-30k band to 29.6% in the 150k+ band.
Methodology & source. Based on 47,708 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.