Mazda Mx 5 (2014)
2014 Mazda Mx 5
CarHunch analysed 2,898 real MOT records for the 2014 Mazda Mx 5. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2014 Mazda MX-5 is a strong performer on MOT day, with an 89.3% first-time pass rate that handily beats the UK average of 80%. However, nearly a quarter of these cars (24.3%) have recorded at least one dangerous defect during their MOT history, which is a genuine concern for a buyer and warrants a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
These MX-5s are running relatively light for their age, averaging just over 31,000 miles, which tracks well with the low failure count of 1.2 per vehicle. The higher advisory rate of 9.2 per car suggests wear items and minor issues are common, but before you buy, get the full MOT history and have a mechanic specifically inspect the braking and suspension systems—the areas where dangerous defects tend to cluster on this model.
What to check before buying a 2014 Mazda Mx 5
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.
- ⚠️ 24.3% 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 Mx 5
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
CarHunch may earn a small commission if you buy via these links — at no extra cost to you.
Mileage Distribution
Most 2014 Mazda Mx 5 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.
Half of all 2014 Mazda Mx 5 vehicles fall between 19,015 and 40,373 miles.
2014 Mazda Mx 5 — Still on the Road
Strong survival — 2,740 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 97% of the peak.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2017–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2014 Mazda Mx 5
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
-
31.2%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin
-
24.7%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
-
23.8%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
-
23.7%
Offside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
-
22.5%
Nearside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
-
21.4%
Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin
-
21.4%
Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
-
18.9%
Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2014. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Mazda Mx 5?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.