Mazda MX-5

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 32 model years from 184,359 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

81%

Total Tests

184,359

Highest Pass Rate

2021 (96%)

Years Covered

About the Mazda MX-5

The Mazda MX-5 was MOT tested 184,359 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 32 model years (1990 to 2021), with an average pass rate of 81%. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list petrol versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 96% from 613 tests. The 2001 model has the lowest at 73%. With a 23 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer Mazda MX-5s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 12 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1990) averages 108,931 miles, while the newest (2021) averages 14,518 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1496cc)

£1,398

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£200

Total per year£1,853

Per month£154/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 2021 details

How reliable is the Mazda MX-5?

vs average of all models-1% (82% avg)

vs Mazda brand average+0% (81% avg)

Best to worst year spread23 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

Mazda MX-5 by Year

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

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	96%	613	14,518 mi
2020	96%	329	18,739 mi
2019	95%	7,343	21,631 mi
2018	94%	8,140	26,083 mi
2017	94%	8,344	31,395 mi
2016	91%	7,859	36,898 mi
2015	90%	5,320	41,274 mi
2014	89%	5,163	41,708 mi
2013	87%	5,549	49,091 mi
2012	85%	5,782	51,355 mi
2011	83%	6,207	56,335 mi
2010	83%	8,571	61,066 mi
2009	82%	7,643	67,260 mi
2008	80%	9,907	71,545 mi
2007	79%	14,264	76,661 mi
2006	77%	11,920	78,342 mi
2005	74%	6,452	78,894 mi
2004	75%	6,025	83,106 mi
2003	75%	7,845	84,391 mi
2002	75%	6,001	88,865 mi
2001	73%	4,099	95,713 mi
2000	73%	5,716	95,771 mi
1999	73%	8,535	94,916 mi
1998	75%	8,017	96,676 mi
1997	76%	5,880	95,736 mi
1996	76%	3,588	94,755 mi
1995	74%	2,206	95,892 mi
1994	76%	1,222	106,680 mi
1993	78%	1,148	108,396 mi
1992	76%	1,259	115,553 mi
1991	78%	1,798	109,861 mi
1990	79%	1,614	108,931 mi

Questions about the Mazda MX-5

Is the Mazda MX-5 reliable?

Across its 32 model years in our data (1990 to 2021), the Mazda MX-5 averages an 81% MOT pass rate, from 184,359 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2021 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 96%.

Which year Mazda MX-5 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Mazda MX-5 has the highest MOT pass rate at 96%, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 73%, a 23 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.