2003 Mazda Mx-5 + — MOT failures & pass rate
Across 28,425 MOT tests analysed for the 2003 Mazda Mx-5 +, the most common recorded failure areas were suspension, brakes and lighting & signalling. Its pass rate of 72.8% was below the average for coupes & convertibles of a similar age (76.8%). Higher-mileage examples failed more often — 30.9% in the 150k+ group versus 12.0% in the 0-30k group.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 11.9% | 3,376 |
| 2 | Brakes | 11.5% | 3,277 |
| 3 | Lighting & signalling | 10.4% | 2,946 |
| 4 | Emissions & environmental | 7.0% | 2,000 |
| 5 | Body, structure & corrosion | 6.0% | 1,712 |
| 6 | Seat belts & restraints | 4.8% | 1,364 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Component mounting prescribed areas | 2,467 |
| 2 | Prescribed areas | 1,949 |
| 3 | Catalyst emissions | 1,944 |
| 4 | Coil spring | 1,435 |
| 5 | Service brake performance | 1,260 |
| 6 | Position lamp | 1,225 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brakes | 30.5% | 8,659 |
| 2 | Suspension | 29.8% | 8,460 |
| 3 | Tyres | 17.1% | 4,847 |
| 4 | Body, structure & corrosion | 15.0% | 4,273 |
| 5 | Emissions & environmental | 9.6% | 2,726 |
| 6 | Lighting & signalling | 9.1% | 2,578 |
Failure rate by mileage
Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.
| Mileage band | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 0-30k | 1,017 | 12.0% |
| 30-60k | 6,187 | 20.8% |
| 60-90k | 10,866 | 28.3% |
| 90-120k | 7,089 | 31.2% |
| 120-150k | 2,201 | 31.9% |
| 150k+ | 1,049 | 30.9% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 7,199 | 28.5% |
| 2022 | 6,435 | 27.4% |
| 2023 | 5,741 | 27.1% |
| 2024 | 4,773 | 25.8% |
| 2025 | 4,277 | 26.4% |
What to check before buying a 2003 Mx-5 +
Before buying a 2003 Mazda Mx-5 +, focus on the areas it most often fails on. Suspension accounted for 11.9% of tests for this year.
- Suspension (11.9% of tests): Worn drop links, bushes, springs or shocks — listen for knocks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear. Typical repair: £150–£450 per corner.
- Brakes (11.5% of tests): Pads/discs are routine wear; binding, imbalance or corroded pipes are more serious — test for pulling under braking. Typical repair: £100–£350 per axle.
- Lighting & signalling (10.4% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
Repair costs are rough UK ballpark ranges to set expectations, not quotes — actual prices vary widely by car, parts and garage.
Frequently asked questions
How many 2003 Mazda Mx-5 +s pass their MOT?
72.8% of the 28,425 2003 Mazda Mx-5 + MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 27.2% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2003 Mazda Mx-5 +?
Suspension, recorded in 11.9% of tests, followed by brakes (11.5%).
Does the 2003 Mx-5 + get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 12.0% in the 0-30k band to 30.9% in the 150k+ band.
Methodology & source. Based on 28,425 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-01. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.