2017 Mazda MX-5 · 16,690 MOT tests
2017 Mazda MX-5 reliability
2017 Mazda MX-5s fail 9% of first MOT tests, 35% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 24 MX-5 years (16,690 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mazda MX-5s: 25.3%)
- 9%
- first-time fail rate (all Mazda MX-5s: 25.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 35% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 6
- 24,332
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 6
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 16,690
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2017 against the years either side
- 2016 cars: 30% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2017 car does better)
- 2018 cars: 28% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2017 car does better)
- Weak spot: brakes, 2.6% of tests fail here (13% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 50% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2017 car carries a 66 plate (January–February 2017), or a 17 plate (March–August 2017), or a 67 plate (September–December 2017).
Common problems
What fails on a 2017 Mazda MX-5
Fail rate by area
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors2.7%
- Brakes2.6%
- Tyres2.1%
- Lights and electrics1.6%
- Suspension0.9%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.3%
- Body, chassis and structure0.1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 1.62%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 1.48%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
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.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 0.53%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 0.49%
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 (9.19%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (7.24%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (6.65%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.59%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (2.35%) · Tyre has a shallow cut (1.37%)
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 2017 Mazda MX-5 reliable?
2017 Mazda MX-5s fail 9% of first MOT tests, 35% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 24 MX-5 years (16,690 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2017 Mazda MX-5 MOT?
Most often wiper blade not clearing windscreen (1.62% of tests), brake pads worn below 1.5mm (1.48% of tests), headlamp aim set too high (0.7% of tests).
How many miles should a 2017 Mazda MX-5 have done?
At its MOT aged about 6, a typical 2017 Mazda MX-5 shows 24,332 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2017 car?
A car first registered in 2017 carries a 66 plate (January–February 2017), or a 17 plate (March–August 2017), or a 67 plate (September–December 2017).
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