Mazda MX-5 R-Sport
Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 2 model years from 317 MOT tests in 2024.
Avg Pass Rate
98%
Total Tests
317
Highest Pass Rate
2021 (99%)
Years Covered
2
About the Mazda MX-5 R-Sport
The Mazda MX-5 R-Sport was MOT tested 317 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 2 model years (2020 to 2021), with an average pass rate of 98%. That's comfortably above 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 99% from 123 tests. The 2020 model has the lowest at 97%. With just a 2 point gap, pass rates are similar across these years. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.
Mileage Across Years
The oldest model in our data (2020) averages 17,175 miles, while the newest (2021) averages 14,707 miles.
Compared to the Mazda brand average of 81%, the MX-5 R-Sport performs 17 points better, making it one of the more reliable options in the Mazda range.
Estimated Running Costs
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 detailsHow reliable is the Mazda MX-5 R-Sport?
Mazda MX-5 R-Sport by Year
Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.
Questions about the Mazda MX-5 R-Sport
Is the Mazda MX-5 R-Sport reliable?
Across its 2 model years in our data (2020 to 2021), the Mazda MX-5 R-Sport averages a 98% MOT pass rate, from 317 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 16 points above 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 99%.
Which year Mazda MX-5 R-Sport has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Mazda MX-5 R-Sport has the highest MOT pass rate at 99%, while the 2020 model has the lowest at 97%, a 2 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
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