Is the 2012 MAZDA 5 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 74% of MAZDA 5s from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 1,471 tests. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2012 MAZDA 5 cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), including £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 MAZDA 5?

The 2012 MAZDA 5 has a 74% MOT pass rate based on 1,471 tests in 2026. This ranks 577 out of 685 cars from 2012.

Which year MAZDA 5 is most reliable?

The 2015 MAZDA 5 has the highest MOT pass rate at 78%. The least reliable year is 2005 at 61%.

What is the average mileage for a 2012 MAZDA 5?

The average mileage for a 2012 MAZDA 5 is 99,779 miles, which is in line with the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

MAZDA 5 (2012)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 1,471 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,197

£183/month

MOT Pass Rate

74%

Average

Road Tax

£315

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1999cc Petrol

Check Carefully

74% pass rate, £2197/year to run. 8 points below average.

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Petrol1999cc14 years old1,471 tests100k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1999cc)

~36 mpg

£1,327

Road Tax

Based on 1999cc

£315

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,197

Per month£183/mo

Per week£42/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

74% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 8 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MAZDA brand average of 81%.

At 14 years old, 74% of MAZDA 5s from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 1,471 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 99,779 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2012 cars577th of 685(top 84%)

Rank among MAZDA models325th of 483(top 67%)

vs national average-8%(82% avg)

vs 2012 cars average-4%(78% avg)

vs MAZDA average-7%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

99,779

Average miles

103,600

Expected for age

The average 2012 MAZDA 5 has 99,779 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2015 model with a 78% MOT pass rate, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 61%. The 2012 sits between the two at 74%.

MAZDA 5 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2015	78%	1,278	77,986 mi
2014	75%	1,062	89,015 mi
2013	74%	1,387	94,639 mi
2012	74%	1,471	99,779 mi
2011	73%	1,510	103,576 mi
2010	69%	2,771	104,897 mi
2009	67%	2,575	104,841 mi
2008	67%	3,648	112,542 mi
2007	64%	3,104	118,629 mi
2006	64%	1,337	115,063 mi
2005	61%	377	117,905 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

FORD FOCUS

2013 · 1596cc Petrol

£1,827/year

78%

+4%

NISSAN QASHQAI

2013 · 1600cc Petrol

£1,827/year

72%

-2%

MERCEDES C

2012 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,017/year

79%

+5%

MINI MINI

2010 · 1598cc Petrol

£1,677/year

80%

+6%

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About the 2012 MAZDA 5

The 2012 MAZDA 5 is a family car with a 1999cc petrol engine. 1,471 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 84% of 2012 cars for MOT pass rates.

With an average of 99,779 miles at 14 years old, MAZDA 5 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2012 MAZDA 5 Fuel Costs

The 1999cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2012 MAZDA 5?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 74% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

MAZDA 5 Reliability Trend

Newer MAZDA 5s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2012 MAZDA 5

At 14 years old, the MAZDA 5 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2015 model has the highest pass rate at 78%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2012 MAZDA 5's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 14 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Medium risk

With an average of 100k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2012 MAZDA 5 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
MAZDA 5(2012)	74%	£1327	£315	Grp 18-32	£2197
FORD FOCUS(2013)	78%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£370
NISSAN QASHQAI(2013)	72%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£370
MERCEDES C(2012)	79%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£2017-£180
MINI MINI(2010)	80%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1677-£520

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.