At a Glance
The Mazda 121 has 19 identified common problems across 3 generations, with the DB (1991-1998) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 37K MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Mazda 121 common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Mazda 121 generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Mazda 121 owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
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Browse Mazda 121 Generations
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Most Common Mazda 121 MOT Failures
Every reason Mazda 121 vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 12.15% |
| 2 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 10.13% |
| 3 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 8.96% |
| 4 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 8.13% |
| 5 | Exhaust system fault | 6.45% |
| 6 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.91% |
| 7 | Headlamp aim defect | 4.06% |
| 8 | Driveshaft fault | 3.80% |
| 9 | Tyre condition | 3.41% |
| 10 | Windscreen washer not working | 3.36% |
| 11 | Number plate lamp not working | 2.99% |
| 12 | Front lamp not working | 2.38% |
| 13 | Brake disc or drum worn | 2.24% |
| 14 | Body corrosion or damage | 1.91% |
| 15 | Stop lamp not working | 1.85% |
| 16 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 1.82% |
| 17 | Brake pads or linings worn | 1.44% |
| 18 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.42% |
| 19 | Rear lamp not working | 1.33% |
| 20 | Chassis condition | 1.32% |
| 21 | Parking brake condition | 1.28% |
| 22 | Suspension mounting corroded | 1.24% |
| 23 | MacPherson strut worn | 1.23% |
| 24 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.08% |
| 25 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 1.00% |
| 26 | Fog lamp not working | 0.84% |
| 27 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.70% |
| 28 | Indicator fault | 0.56% |
| 29 | Rear suspension fault | 0.47% |
| 30 | Track rod end worn | 0.39% |
| 31 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.39% |
| 32 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.35% |
| 33 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.33% |
| 34 | Brake fluid leak | 0.31% |
| 35 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.28% |
| 36 | Horn not working | 0.27% |
| 37 | Steering rack fault | 0.26% |
| 38 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.26% |
| 39 | Seat belt condition | 0.26% |
| 40 | Front suspension fault | 0.26% |
| 41 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.23% |
| 42 | Electrical switch fault | 0.20% |
| 43 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.19% |
| 44 | Position lamp not working | 0.18% |
| 45 | Spare wheel fault | 0.18% |
| 46 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.16% |
| 47 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.16% |
| 48 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.15% |
| 49 | Brake pedal fault | 0.13% |
| 50 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.12% |
| 51 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.11% |
| 52 | CV joint worn | 0.10% |
| 53 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.10% |
| 54 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.10% |
| 55 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.10% |
| 56 | Headlamp fault | 0.09% |
| 57 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.09% |
| 58 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.09% |
| 59 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.08% |
| 60 | Body security fault | 0.08% |
| 61 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | 0.08% |
| 62 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.08% |
| 63 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.07% |
| 64 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.07% |
| 65 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.07% |
| 66 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.07% |
| 67 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.07% |
| 68 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.06% |
| 69 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.06% |
| 70 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.06% |
| 71 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.06% |
| 72 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.05% |
| 73 | Steering lock fault | 0.05% |
| 74 | Brake caliper fault | 0.05% |
| 75 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.05% |
| 76 | Brake lever fault | 0.04% |
| 77 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.04% |
| 78 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 79 | Steering drive system fault | 0.03% |
| 80 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 81 | Airbag warning light on | 0.03% |
| 82 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.03% |
| 83 | Steering arm worn | 0.02% |
| 84 | Power steering pump fault | 0.02% |
| 85 | Steering free play excessive | 0.02% |
| 86 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.02% |
| 87 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.02% |
| 88 | Steering operation fault | 0.02% |
| 89 | Brake linkage mounting fault | 0.01% |
| 90 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.01% |
| 91 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.01% |
| 92 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 93 | Drag link end worn | 0.01% |
| 94 | Power steering ram fault | 0.01% |
| 95 | Propshaft fault | 0.01% |
| 96 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 97 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 98 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 99 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 100 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 101 | Suspension unit fault | <0.01% |
| 102 | ABS fault | <0.01% |
| 103 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 104 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | <0.01% |
| 105 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 106 | Steering column fault | <0.01% |
| 107 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 108 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 109 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | <0.01% |
| 110 | Driver seat fault | <0.01% |
| 111 | Front passenger door fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Handbrake lever fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 115 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 116 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Driver door fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 120 | Electrical wiring fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 122 | Engine oil leak | <0.01% |
| 123 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Headlamp levelling device fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 126 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 128 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 129 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 130 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 130 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Mazda 121 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Mazda 121, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Mazda 121 problems?
Based on analysis of 37K Mazda 121 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 19 identified common problems across 3 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Suspension component mounting corroded". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Mazda 121 generation has the most problems?
The Mazda 121 DB (1991-1998) (1991–1998) has the highest number of identified common problems (23). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Mazda 121?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Mazda 121 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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