Mazda Mpv (2002)

465 real MOT outcomes analysed • 71% first-time pass rate

2002 Mazda Mpv

CarHunch analysed 465 real MOT records for the 2002 Mazda Mpv. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

The 2002 Mazda MPV has a first-time pass rate of 71%, sitting noticeably below the UK average of 80%, and nearly a quarter of these vehicles (23%) have recorded dangerous defects—a significant concern for any potential buyer. Diesel variants fare marginally better at 72.3% versus petrol's 69.5%, though neither inspires confidence.

These MPVs are now over two decades old with a median mileage of 76,341 miles, which is reasonable for the age, yet they're averaging 3.63 failures per test and a substantial 16.2 advisories, suggesting ongoing wear across multiple systems. Before buying, get a pre-purchase inspection focused on the electrical and suspension components that commonly trigger advisories on this generation, and walk away if any dangerous defect history is recorded.

Below average reliability 9% below UK average
71%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
76,341
typical mileage
63,714–92,521 middle half
23%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
3.63
avg MOT failures per car
over 12 tests on record

What to check before buying a 2002 Mazda Mpv

Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
  • 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
  • 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
  • ⚠️ 23% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
  • 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.

Before you buy a Mazda Mpv

MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.

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Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Diesel (55%) 257 72.3% 3.46
Petrol (44%) 205 69.5% 3.82
LPG (0%) 1 62.5% 6
Other (0%) 1 60% 2
Gas Bi-Fuel (0%) 1 64.7% 6

Mileage Distribution

Most 2002 Mazda Mpv vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

63,714
low mileage
76,341
typical
92,521
high mileage

Half of all 2002 Mazda Mpv vehicles fall between 63,714 and 92,521 miles.

2002 Mazda Mpv — Still on the Road

Numbers are declining — 32 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (14% of peak).

229 32 2014 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.

MOT History Averages

12
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
3.63
Avg failures per vehicle
16.2
Avg advisories per vehicle

Most Common MOT Issues — 2002 Mazda Mpv

Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.

  • 71.6%
    Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
  • 67.9%
    Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
  • 55%
    Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin
  • 46.8%
    Nearside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement
  • 45.4%
    Offside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement
  • 45.3%
    Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
  • 41.4%
    Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
  • 36.1%
    Child seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2002. Counts include advisories and failures.

Found a specific Mazda Mpv?

Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.

UK

Other model years — Mazda Mpv:

1995 1996 1997 1999 2000 2001 2003 2004