2016 Mazda MX-5 · 15,142 MOT tests
2016 Mazda MX-5 reliability
2016 Mazda MX-5s fail 11.4% of first MOT tests, 30% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 24 MX-5 years (15,142 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 2016 Mazda MX-5?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all Mazda MX-5s: 25.3%)
- 11.4%
- first-time fail rate (all Mazda MX-5s: 25.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 30% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 7
- 30,719
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 7
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 15,142
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2016 against the years either side
- 2015 cars: 29% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2016 car does better)
- 2017 cars: 35% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2016 car does worse)
- Weak spot: brakes, 4.8% of tests fail here (64% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: suspension, 68% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2016 car carries a 65 plate (January–February 2016), or a 16 plate (March–August 2016), or a 66 plate (September–December 2016).
Common problems
What fails on a 2016 Mazda MX-5
Fail rate by area
- Brakes4.8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors2.7%
- Tyres2.3%
- Lights and electrics2%
- Suspension1%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.6%
- Body, chassis and structure0.2%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 1.57%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 1.4%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Service brake excessively binding 1.31%
A brake that drags when released can overheat, wear quickly and waste fuel, so it needs prompt inspection.
Headlamp aim set too high 0.7%
Headlamps aimed too high can dazzle other drivers, and adjusting them is usually a quick job.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 0.64%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 0.57%
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 (8.53%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (6.84%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.26%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (6.13%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (2.87%) · Service brake slightly binding (1.95%)
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 2016 Mazda MX-5 reliable?
2016 Mazda MX-5s fail 11.4% of first MOT tests, 30% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 24 MX-5 years (15,142 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2016 Mazda MX-5 MOT?
Most often brake pads worn below 1.5mm (1.57% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (1.4% of tests), service brake excessively binding (1.31% of tests).
How many miles should a 2016 Mazda MX-5 have done?
At its MOT aged about 7, a typical 2016 Mazda MX-5 shows 30,719 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2016 car?
A car first registered in 2016 carries a 65 plate (January–February 2016), or a 16 plate (March–August 2016), or a 66 plate (September–December 2016).
Check a 2016 Mazda MX-5 free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.