1999 Mazda MX-5 · 12,870 MOT tests
1999 Mazda MX-5 reliability
1999 Mazda MX-5s fail 36.7% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 24 of 24 MX-5 years (12,870 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mazda MX-5s: 25.3%)
- 36.7%
- first-time fail rate (all Mazda MX-5s: 25.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 1% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 24
- 91,003
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 24
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 12,870
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1999 against the years either side
- 1998 cars: 5% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1999 car does worse)
- 2000 cars: about average for its age (the 1999 car does worse)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 13.5% of tests fail here (87% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 33% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1999 Mazda MX-5
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics15.7%
- Brakes13.6%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks13.5%
- Suspension10.4%
- Body, chassis and structure6.1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.1%
- Seat belts and airbags4.7%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Carbon monoxide high after fast idle 3.4%
High carbon monoxide can point to engine or catalytic converter faults, so ask for diagnosis before buying.
Lambda reading outside specified limits 3.25%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Seat belt anchor area weakened 2.7%
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 2.52%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
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.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.1%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Common advisories
Engine oil leak, not excessive (8.82%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (7.79%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (6.35%) · Suspension arm showing corrosion (5.59%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (5.49%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (5.08%)
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 1999 Mazda MX-5 reliable?
1999 Mazda MX-5s fail 36.7% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 24 of 24 MX-5 years (12,870 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1999 Mazda MX-5 MOT?
Most often carbon monoxide high after fast idle (3.4% of tests), lambda reading outside specified limits (3.25% of tests), seat belt anchor area weakened (2.7% of tests).
How many miles should a 1999 Mazda MX-5 have done?
At its MOT aged about 24, a typical 1999 Mazda MX-5 shows 91,003 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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