2001 Mazda MX-5 · 7,601 MOT tests
2001 Mazda MX-5 reliability
2001 Mazda MX-5s fail 35.7% of first MOT tests, 10% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 17 of 24 MX-5 years (7,601 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mazda MX-5s: 25.3%)
- 35.7%
- first-time fail rate (all Mazda MX-5s: 25.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 10% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 22
- 88,847
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 22
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 7,601
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2001 against the years either side
- 2000 cars: about average for its age (the 2001 car does better)
- 2002 cars: 13% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2001 car does worse)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 10.4% of tests fail here (50% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 38% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2001 car carries a 51 plate (September–December 2001).
Common problems
What fails on a 2001 Mazda MX-5
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics13.7%
- Brakes13.2%
- Suspension10.7%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks10.4%
- Body, chassis and structure5.5%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.7%
- Seat belts and airbags4.2%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Lambda reading outside specified limits 3.42%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Position lamp not working 3.28%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 2.96%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Seat belt anchor area weakened 2.79%
Corrosion near a seat belt anchor can weaken the body and make the belt fail, so expert repair is needed.
Carbon monoxide high after fast idle 2.59%
High carbon monoxide can point to engine or catalytic converter faults, so ask for diagnosis before buying.
Coil spring fractured or broken 2.49%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Common advisories
Engine oil leak, not excessive (9.67%) · Suspension arm showing corrosion (9.04%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (8.95%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (8%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (7.58%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (6.55%)
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 2001 Mazda MX-5 reliable?
2001 Mazda MX-5s fail 35.7% of first MOT tests, 10% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 17 of 24 MX-5 years (7,601 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2001 Mazda MX-5 MOT?
Most often lambda reading outside specified limits (3.42% of tests), position lamp not working (3.28% of tests), suspension mounting area seriously corroded (2.96% of tests).
How many miles should a 2001 Mazda MX-5 have done?
At its MOT aged about 22, a typical 2001 Mazda MX-5 shows 88,847 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2001 car?
A car first registered in 2001 carries a 51 plate (September–December 2001).
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