2020 Mazda MX-5 · 2,151 MOT tests
2020 Mazda MX-5 reliability
2020 Mazda MX-5s fail 4.6% of first MOT tests, 51% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 24 MX-5 years (2,151 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mazda MX-5s: 25.3%)
- 4.6%
- first-time fail rate (all Mazda MX-5s: 25.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 51% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 3
- 14,639
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 3
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 2,151
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2020 against the years either side
- 2019 cars: 28% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2020 car does better)
- 2021 cars: 54% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2020 car does worse)
- Strong point: tyres, 70% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2020 car carries a 69 plate (January–February 2020), or a 20 plate (March–August 2020), or a 70 plate (September–December 2020).
Common problems
What fails on a 2020 Mazda MX-5
Fail rate by area
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1.3%
- Lights and electrics1.2%
- Tyres1%
- Brakes0.9%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.4%
- Suspension0.3%
- Body, chassis and structure0.1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 0.51%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 0.46%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Headlamp aim set too high 0.42%
Headlamps aimed too high can dazzle other drivers, and adjusting them is usually a quick job.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 0.33%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 0.28%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Lambda reading outside specified limits 0.23%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Common advisories
Brake disc pitted or scored (4.6%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (2.6%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (2.32%) · Brake pads wearing thin (2.14%) · Tyre has a shallow cut (1.35%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (0.79%)
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 2020 Mazda MX-5 reliable?
2020 Mazda MX-5s fail 4.6% of first MOT tests, 51% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 24 MX-5 years (2,151 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2020 Mazda MX-5 MOT?
Most often brake pads worn below 1.5mm (0.51% of tests), tyre cut reaching ply or cords (0.46% of tests), headlamp aim set too high (0.42% of tests).
How many miles should a 2020 Mazda MX-5 have done?
At its MOT aged about 3, a typical 2020 Mazda MX-5 shows 14,639 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2020 car?
A car first registered in 2020 carries a 69 plate (January–February 2020), or a 20 plate (March–August 2020), or a 70 plate (September–December 2020).
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