Mazda E Series

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 15 model years from 1,587 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

71%

Total Tests

1,587

Highest Pass Rate

2017 (77%)

Years Covered

About the Mazda E Series

The Mazda E Series was MOT tested 1,587 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 15 model years (1996 to 2018), with an average pass rate of 71%. That's 11 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data, so check the year-by-year data carefully before buying. Our records list petrol and diesel versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2017 model has the highest pass rate at 77% from 227 tests. The 2001 model has the lowest at 69%. The 8 point gap means pass rates vary somewhat between years, but no year is dramatically different. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer Mazda E Seriess pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 4 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1996) averages 90,740 miles, while the newest (2018) averages 92,371 miles.

Compared to the Mazda brand average of 81%, the E Series is 10 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Mazda models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1998cc)

£1,631

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,386

Per month£199/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2018 details

How reliable is the Mazda E Series?

vs average of all models-11% (82% avg)

vs Mazda brand average-10% (81% avg)

Best to worst year spread8 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

Mazda E Series by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2018	76%	51	92,371 mi
2017	77%	227	109,478 mi
2015	70%	341	118,471 mi
2014	74%	86	124,774 mi
2013	69%	71	132,287 mi
2011	57%	37	130,980 mi
2010	76%	33	143,721 mi
2004	79%	92	128,761 mi
2003	75%	36	129,916 mi
2002	72%	116	111,263 mi
2001	69%	159	113,168 mi
2000	69%	163	113,518 mi
1999	75%	84	134,044 mi
1998	63%	49	114,463 mi
1996	69%	42	90,740 mi

Questions about the Mazda E Series

Is the Mazda E Series reliable?

Across its 15 model years in our data (1996 to 2018), the Mazda E Series averages a 71% MOT pass rate, from 1,587 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 11 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2017 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 77%.

Which year Mazda E Series has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2017 Mazda E Series has the highest MOT pass rate at 77%, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 69%, a 8 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.