2003 Mazda MX-5 · 15,489 MOT tests
2003 Mazda MX-5 reliability
2003 Mazda MX-5s fail 36.8% of first MOT tests, 8% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 18 of 24 MX-5 years (15,489 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 2003 Mazda MX-5?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all Mazda MX-5s: 25.3%)
- 36.8%
- first-time fail rate (all Mazda MX-5s: 25.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 8% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- 79,223
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 15,489
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 13% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- 2004 cars: 8% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 5.4% of tests fail here (102% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 39% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2003 car carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
Common problems
What fails on a 2003 Mazda MX-5
Fail rate by area
- Suspension13.6%
- Brakes13.5%
- Lights and electrics12.8%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks9.3%
- Body, chassis and structure7.3%
- Seat belts and airbags5.4%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.9%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 4.4%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Seat belt anchor area weakened 4.24%
Corrosion near a seat belt anchor can weaken the body and make the belt fail, so expert repair is needed.
Coil spring fractured or broken 4.06%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Position lamp not working 3.81%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Lambda reading outside specified limits 3.23%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.47%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Common advisories
Brake disc pitted or scored (9.17%) · Suspension arm showing corrosion (8.73%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (8.29%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (7.7%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (7.04%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.73%)
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 2003 Mazda MX-5 reliable?
2003 Mazda MX-5s fail 36.8% of first MOT tests, 8% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 18 of 24 MX-5 years (15,489 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Mazda MX-5 MOT?
Most often suspension mounting area seriously corroded (4.4% of tests), seat belt anchor area weakened (4.24% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (4.06% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Mazda MX-5 have done?
At its MOT aged about 20, a typical 2003 Mazda MX-5 shows 79,223 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2003 car?
A car first registered in 2003 carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
Check a 2003 Mazda MX-5 free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.