Mazda

Mazda Cx 7 (2012)

184 real MOT outcomes analysed • 78.1% first-time pass rate

2012 Mazda Cx 7

CarHunch analysed 184 real MOT records for the 2012 Mazda Cx 7. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Compare Models

The 2012 Mazda CX-7 passes its MOT at 78.1%, just below the UK average of 80%, which is unremarkable—but the real concern is that 43.5% of these vehicles have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, well above what you'd expect. This is a significant reliability red flag for a buyer considering this model, regardless of fuel type (virtually all are diesel).

With a median mileage of 65,551 miles at around 12 years old, these cars have been driven hard, and they're showing it: the average vehicle has nearly 3 failures and almost 17 advisories in its history. Before buying one, get a full pre-purchase inspection focusing on brake and suspension components, since the high dangerous-defect rate suggests structural or safety-system wear is common in this generation.

We have limited data for the 2012 Mazda Cx 7 — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
78.1%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
43.5%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
2.99
Over 12.8 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
66k
Middle half: 53k–82k
For context

These stats describe 184 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Watch for defects — worth knowing

What tends to go wrong

Across 184 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 48%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Other issues 45.1%
Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened · Oil leak, but not excessive · Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components
Brake wear 29.2%
Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened · Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened · Offside Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2012.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 184 Mazda Cx 7 cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2012 Mazda Cx 7

Based on MOT data from 184 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 43.5% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Diesel (98%) 180 78% 3.02

Mileage Distribution

Most 2012 Mazda Cx 7 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

65,551
typical
53,108
low mileage
81,582
high mileage

Half of all 2012 Mazda Cx 7 vehicles fall between 53,108 and 81,582 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 53,108 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
53,108–81,582 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2012 Mazda Cx 7s sit.
Over 110,135 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2012 Mazda Cx 7 — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 58% of 2012 Mazda Cx 7s are still active.

104 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 58% of the peak remain.

179 104 2015 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2015–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

12.8
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
2.99
Avg failures per vehicle
16.8
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Mazda Cx 7: All Cx 7 years → Which year to buy? →
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Watch for defects — worth knowing