2004 Mazda MX-5 · 12,205 MOT tests
2004 Mazda MX-5 reliability
2004 Mazda MX-5s fail 37.2% of first MOT tests, 8% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 20 of 24 MX-5 years (12,205 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mazda MX-5s: 25.3%)
- 37.2%
- 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 19
- 78,619
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 12,205
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2004 against the years either side
- 2003 cars: 8% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does worse)
- 2005 cars: 8% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does worse)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 6.4% of tests fail here (156% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 40% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2004 car carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
Common problems
What fails on a 2004 Mazda MX-5
Fail rate by area
- Brakes13.5%
- Lights and electrics12.2%
- Suspension11.5%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks9.6%
- Body, chassis and structure7.7%
- Seat belts and airbags6.4%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Seat belt anchor area weakened 4.94%
Corrosion near a seat belt anchor can weaken the body and make the belt fail, so expert repair is needed.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 4.69%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Position lamp not working 4.03%
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 3.04%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.56%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 2.44%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Common advisories
Brake disc pitted or scored (9.67%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (9.5%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (8.85%) · Suspension arm showing corrosion (7.42%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (7.28%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (7.1%)
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 2004 Mazda MX-5 reliable?
2004 Mazda MX-5s fail 37.2% of first MOT tests, 8% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 20 of 24 MX-5 years (12,205 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2004 Mazda MX-5 MOT?
Most often seat belt anchor area weakened (4.94% of tests), suspension mounting area seriously corroded (4.69% of tests), position lamp not working (4.03% of tests).
How many miles should a 2004 Mazda MX-5 have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2004 Mazda MX-5 shows 78,619 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2004 car?
A car first registered in 2004 carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
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