2012 Mazda MX-5 · 10,977 MOT tests
2012 Mazda MX-5 reliability
2012 Mazda MX-5s fail 19.7% of first MOT tests, 24% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 8 of 24 MX-5 years (10,977 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mazda MX-5s: 25.3%)
- 19.7%
- first-time fail rate (all Mazda MX-5s: 25.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 24% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 45,153
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 10,977
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: 19% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does better)
- 2013 cars: 24% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does better)
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 47% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2012 car carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Common problems
What fails on a 2012 Mazda MX-5
Fail rate by area
- Suspension7%
- Brakes5.4%
- Lights and electrics5%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.8%
- Tyres2.8%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.3%
- Body, chassis and structure0.4%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 2.76%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 1.76%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Service brake excessively binding 1.54%
A brake that drags when released can overheat, wear quickly and waste fuel, so it needs prompt inspection.
Position lamp not working 1.31%
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 1.18%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 1.15%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Common advisories
Brake disc pitted or scored (7.07%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (6.76%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (6.59%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.4%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (4.31%) · Service brake slightly binding (3.13%)
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 2012 Mazda MX-5 reliable?
2012 Mazda MX-5s fail 19.7% of first MOT tests, 24% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 8 of 24 MX-5 years (10,977 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 Mazda MX-5 MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (2.76% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (1.76% of tests), service brake excessively binding (1.54% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 Mazda MX-5 have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 Mazda MX-5 shows 45,153 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2012 car?
A car first registered in 2012 carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
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