2002 Mazda MX-5 · 11,883 MOT tests
2002 Mazda MX-5 reliability
2002 Mazda MX-5s fail 34.7% of first MOT tests, 13% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 16 of 24 MX-5 years (11,883 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mazda MX-5s: 25.3%)
- 34.7%
- first-time fail rate (all Mazda MX-5s: 25.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 13% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 21
- 83,837
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 21
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 11,883
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2002 against the years either side
- 2001 cars: 10% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2002 car does better)
- 2003 cars: 8% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2002 car does better)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 4.2% of tests fail here (46% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: tyres, 38% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2002 car carries a 51 plate (January–February 2002), or a 02 plate (March–August 2002), or a 52 plate (September–December 2002).
Common problems
What fails on a 2002 Mazda MX-5
Fail rate by area
- Brakes13%
- Lights and electrics12.4%
- Suspension11.4%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks9.1%
- Body, chassis and structure6.1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5%
- Seat belts and airbags4.2%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 3.64%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Position lamp not working 3.44%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Seat belt anchor area weakened 3.1%
Corrosion near a seat belt anchor can weaken the body and make the belt fail, so expert repair is needed.
Lambda reading outside specified limits 2.99%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Coil spring fractured or broken 2.94%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.43%
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 (9.2%) · Suspension arm showing corrosion (8.84%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (8.15%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (8.06%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (7.28%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (6.61%)
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 2002 Mazda MX-5 reliable?
2002 Mazda MX-5s fail 34.7% of first MOT tests, 13% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 16 of 24 MX-5 years (11,883 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2002 Mazda MX-5 MOT?
Most often suspension mounting area seriously corroded (3.64% of tests), position lamp not working (3.44% of tests), seat belt anchor area weakened (3.1% of tests).
How many miles should a 2002 Mazda MX-5 have done?
At its MOT aged about 21, a typical 2002 Mazda MX-5 shows 83,837 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2002 car?
A car first registered in 2002 carries a 51 plate (January–February 2002), or a 02 plate (March–August 2002), or a 52 plate (September–December 2002).
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