Mazda Mx 5 (2021)

290 real MOT outcomes analysed • 95.7% first-time pass rate

2021 Mazda Mx 5

CarHunch analysed 290 real MOT records for the 2021 Mazda Mx 5. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

The 2021 Mazda MX-5 is exceptionally reliable, with a 95.7% first-time pass rate that crushes the UK average of 80%—and dangerous defects are virtually non-existent at just 1.7% of cars. This is a genuinely dependable roadster with no meaningful petrol/diesel split to worry about.

At just under 15,000 miles median mileage, these are lightly used examples, and the 0.12 average failures per vehicle confirms most aren't battling serious mechanical issues. If you're considering one, focus your pre-purchase inspection on the single advisory item that appears per car on average—likely routine wear—and you'll probably find a well-sorted machine.

Generally reliable 15.7% above UK average
95.7%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
14,890
typical mileage
9,602–22,953 middle half
1.7%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
0.12
avg MOT failures per car
over 2.2 tests on record

What to check before buying a 2021 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.
  • 📄 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.

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Mileage Distribution

Most 2021 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.

9,602
low mileage
14,890
typical
22,953
high mileage

Half of all 2021 Mazda Mx 5 vehicles fall between 9,602 and 22,953 miles.

MOT History Averages

2.2
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.12
Avg failures per vehicle
1
Avg advisories per vehicle

Most Common MOT Issues — 2021 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.

  • 18.3%
    Offside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
  • 17.5%
    Nearside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
  • 15.6%
    Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
  • 14.3%
    Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
  • 14.2%
    Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
  • 13.7%
    Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin
  • 13.2%
    Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
  • 12.3%
    Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2021. 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.

UK

Other model years — Mazda Mx 5:

1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2022