1998 Mazda MX-5 · 10,044 MOT tests
1998 Mazda MX-5 reliability
1998 Mazda MX-5s fail 34.1% of first MOT tests, 5% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 21 of 24 MX-5 years (10,044 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mazda MX-5s: 25.3%)
- 34.1%
- first-time fail rate (all Mazda MX-5s: 25.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 5% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- 93,082
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 10,044
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1998 against the years either side
- 1997 cars: 3% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1998 car does better)
- 1999 cars: about average for its age (the 1998 car does better)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 11.1% of tests fail here (53% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 40% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1998 Mazda MX-5
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics14.3%
- Brakes12.8%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks11.1%
- Suspension9.8%
- Body, chassis and structure5.4%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.7%
- Seat belts and airbags4.4%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Lambda reading outside specified limits 2.93%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Carbon monoxide high after fast idle 2.9%
High carbon monoxide can point to engine or catalytic converter faults, so ask for diagnosis before buying.
Seat belt anchor area weakened 2.86%
Corrosion near a seat belt anchor can weaken the body and make the belt fail, so expert repair is needed.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 2.5%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 2.18%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Position lamp not working 2.14%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Common advisories
Engine oil leak, not excessive (9.8%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (8.42%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (6.08%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (6%) · Suspension arm showing corrosion (5.86%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (5.34%)
Other years
Every Mazda MX-5 year
The full picture: Mazda MX-5 reliability. Before you pay for any Mazda MX-5, 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 1998 Mazda MX-5 reliable?
1998 Mazda MX-5s fail 34.1% of first MOT tests, 5% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 21 of 24 MX-5 years (10,044 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1998 Mazda MX-5 MOT?
Most often lambda reading outside specified limits (2.93% of tests), carbon monoxide high after fast idle (2.9% of tests), seat belt anchor area weakened (2.86% of tests).
How many miles should a 1998 Mazda MX-5 have done?
At its MOT aged about 25, a typical 1998 Mazda MX-5 shows 93,082 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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