2018 Mazda MX-5 · 15,917 MOT tests
2018 Mazda MX-5 reliability
2018 Mazda MX-5s fail 8.4% of first MOT tests, 28% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 24 MX-5 years (15,917 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mazda MX-5s: 25.3%)
- 8.4%
- first-time fail rate (all Mazda MX-5s: 25.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 28% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 5
- 20,030
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 5
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 15,917
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2018 against the years either side
- 2017 cars: 35% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2018 car does worse)
- 2019 cars: 28% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2018 car does better)
- Weak spot: brakes, 2.2% of tests fail here (30% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: tyres, 40% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2018 car carries a 67 plate (January–February 2018), or a 18 plate (March–August 2018), or a 68 plate (September–December 2018).
Common problems
What fails on a 2018 Mazda MX-5
Fail rate by area
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors2.5%
- Tyres2.2%
- Brakes2.2%
- Lights and electrics1.8%
- Suspension0.3%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.2%
- Number plates and VIN0.2%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 1.38%
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 1.14%
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 0.79%
Headlamps aimed too high can dazzle other drivers, and adjusting them is usually a quick job.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 0.69%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 0.53%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 0.51%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Common advisories
Brake disc pitted or scored (8.64%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (7.29%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (6.16%) · Brake pads wearing thin (5.97%) · Tyre has a shallow cut (1.61%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (1.55%)
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 2018 Mazda MX-5 reliable?
2018 Mazda MX-5s fail 8.4% of first MOT tests, 28% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 24 MX-5 years (15,917 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2018 Mazda MX-5 MOT?
Most often wiper blade not clearing windscreen (1.38% of tests), brake pads worn below 1.5mm (1.14% of tests), headlamp aim set too high (0.79% of tests).
How many miles should a 2018 Mazda MX-5 have done?
At its MOT aged about 5, a typical 2018 Mazda MX-5 shows 20,030 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2018 car?
A car first registered in 2018 carries a 67 plate (January–February 2018), or a 18 plate (March–August 2018), or a 68 plate (September–December 2018).
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