2011 Mazda MX-5 · 11,737 MOT tests
2011 Mazda MX-5 reliability
2011 Mazda MX-5s fail 23.2% of first MOT tests, 19% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 14 of 24 MX-5 years (11,737 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mazda MX-5s: 25.3%)
- 23.2%
- first-time fail rate (all Mazda MX-5s: 25.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 19% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 12
- 49,459
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 12
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 11,737
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2011 against the years either side
- 2010 cars: 22% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2011 car does worse)
- 2012 cars: 24% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2011 car does worse)
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 48% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2011 car carries a 60 plate (January–February 2011), or a 11 plate (March–August 2011), or a 61 plate (September–December 2011).
Common problems
What fails on a 2011 Mazda MX-5
Fail rate by area
- Suspension10%
- Brakes6%
- Lights and electrics5.7%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.2%
- Tyres3%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.8%
- Body, chassis and structure0.7%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 4.51%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Service brake excessively binding 2.19%
A brake that drags when released can overheat, wear quickly and waste fuel, so it needs prompt inspection.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.01%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 1.47%
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
Position lamp not working 1.42%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 1.35%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Common advisories
Brake disc pitted or scored (8.2%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (6.95%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (6.82%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.07%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (3.87%) · Service brake slightly binding (3.77%)
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 2011 Mazda MX-5 reliable?
2011 Mazda MX-5s fail 23.2% of first MOT tests, 19% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 14 of 24 MX-5 years (11,737 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2011 Mazda MX-5 MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (4.51% of tests), service brake excessively binding (2.19% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (2.01% of tests).
How many miles should a 2011 Mazda MX-5 have done?
At its MOT aged about 12, a typical 2011 Mazda MX-5 shows 49,459 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2011 car?
A car first registered in 2011 carries a 60 plate (January–February 2011), or a 11 plate (March–August 2011), or a 61 plate (September–December 2011).
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