2012 Mazda 2 · 29,950 MOT tests
2012 Mazda 2 reliability
2012 Mazda 2s fail 35% of first MOT tests, 17% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 17 of 19 2 years (29,950 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mazda 2s: 30.8%)
- 35%
- first-time fail rate (all Mazda 2s: 30.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 17% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 62,464
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 29,950
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: 17% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- 2013 cars: 19% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does better)
- Weak spot: steering, 5.7% of tests fail here (198% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 53% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2012 car carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Common problems
What fails on a 2012 Mazda 2
Fail rate by area
- Suspension18.4%
- Lights and electrics9.3%
- Tyres6.9%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.9%
- Steering5.7%
- Brakes4%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.6%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 7.18%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Coil spring fractured or broken 5.49%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 3.96%
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 3.54%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 3.28%
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
Position lamp not working 2.46%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (12.17%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (11.18%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (7.65%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (5.5%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (5.21%) · Brake pads wearing thin (4.38%)
Other years
Every Mazda 2 year
The full picture: Mazda 2 reliability. Before you pay for any Mazda 2, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2012 Mazda 2 reliable?
2012 Mazda 2s fail 35% of first MOT tests, 17% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 17 of 19 2 years (29,950 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 Mazda 2 MOT?
Most often suspension ball joint excessively worn (7.18% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (5.49% of tests), track rod end ball joint excessively worn (3.96% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 Mazda 2 have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 Mazda 2 shows 62,464 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2012 car?
A car first registered in 2012 carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
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