At a Glance
The Mazda Mazda2 has 18 identified common problems across 3 generations, with the Mk2 DE (2007-2014) being the most affected generation and tyres & wheels the most common problem category. Based on 1.4M 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 Mazda2 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 Mazda2 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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Most Common Mazda Mazda2 MOT Failures
Every reason Mazda Mazda2 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 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 13.83% |
| 2 | Tyre condition | 11.71% |
| 3 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 7.67% |
| 4 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 5.97% |
| 5 | Number plate lamp not working | 5.46% |
| 6 | Position lamp not working | 5.43% |
| 7 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 4.61% |
| 8 | Windscreen washer not working | 4.56% |
| 9 | Brake pads or linings worn | 3.15% |
| 10 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 2.93% |
| 11 | Stop lamp not working | 2.62% |
| 12 | Brake performance below minimum | 2.54% |
| 13 | Track rod end worn | 2.35% |
| 14 | Headlamp fault | 2.31% |
| 15 | Front lamp not working | 2.01% |
| 16 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 2.00% |
| 17 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 1.95% |
| 18 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.94% |
| 19 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.91% |
| 20 | Exhaust system fault | 1.08% |
| 21 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.03% |
| 22 | Brake disc or drum worn | 0.97% |
| 23 | Headlamp aim defect | 0.96% |
| 24 | Steering rack fault | 0.68% |
| 25 | Driveshaft fault | 0.60% |
| 26 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.51% |
| 27 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.50% |
| 28 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.48% |
| 29 | Seat belt condition | 0.46% |
| 30 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.43% |
| 31 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.40% |
| 32 | Indicator fault | 0.34% |
| 33 | ABS fault | 0.33% |
| 34 | Rear suspension fault | 0.33% |
| 35 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.32% |
| 36 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.31% |
| 37 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.29% |
| 38 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.28% |
| 39 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.26% |
| 40 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.25% |
| 41 | Engine oil leak | 0.22% |
| 42 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.22% |
| 43 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.20% |
| 44 | Airbag warning light on | 0.19% |
| 45 | Rear lamp not working | 0.18% |
| 46 | Chassis condition | 0.18% |
| 47 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.18% |
| 48 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.16% |
| 49 | Horn not working | 0.15% |
| 50 | Fog lamp not working | 0.14% |
| 51 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.14% |
| 52 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.12% |
| 53 | Brake pedal fault | 0.11% |
| 54 | Front suspension fault | 0.11% |
| 55 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.10% |
| 56 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.10% |
| 57 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.08% |
| 58 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.08% |
| 59 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.07% |
| 60 | Steering operation fault | 0.06% |
| 61 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.06% |
| 62 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.06% |
| 63 | Parking brake condition | 0.05% |
| 64 | Brake caliper fault | 0.05% |
| 65 | Drag link end worn | 0.05% |
| 66 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.05% |
| 67 | Universal joint worn | 0.05% |
| 68 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.04% |
| 69 | Brake lever fault | 0.04% |
| 70 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.04% |
| 71 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.04% |
| 72 | Brake fluid leak | 0.04% |
| 73 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.04% |
| 74 | Steering lock fault | 0.04% |
| 75 | Driver seat fault | 0.03% |
| 76 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 77 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 78 | Steering arm worn | 0.03% |
| 79 | Steering free play excessive | 0.03% |
| 80 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.03% |
| 81 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.03% |
| 82 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.03% |
| 83 | Electrical switch fault | 0.02% |
| 84 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.02% |
| 85 | Front passenger door fault | 0.02% |
| 86 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.02% |
| 87 | Daytime running lamp not working | 0.02% |
| 88 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.02% |
| 89 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.02% |
| 90 | Axle corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 91 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 92 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 93 | Power steering pump fault | 0.02% |
| 94 | Electric power steering fault | 0.02% |
| 95 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 96 | Passenger seat fault | 0.01% |
| 97 | Exhaust leak | 0.01% |
| 98 | Body security fault | 0.01% |
| 99 | Driver door fault | 0.01% |
| 100 | Steering column fault | 0.01% |
| 101 | Steering coupling worn | 0.01% |
| 102 | Mirror or camera fault | 0.01% |
| 103 | Transmission oil leak | 0.01% |
| 104 | Brake valve fault | 0.01% |
| 105 | Driver airbag fault | 0.01% |
| 106 | Propshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 107 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 108 | Handbrake cable fault | <0.01% |
| 109 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | <0.01% |
| 110 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 111 | Suspension unit fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Brake fluid warning light on | <0.01% |
| 114 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 115 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 116 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 118 | Bonded suspension condition | <0.01% |
| 119 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 122 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | <0.01% |
| 123 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 124 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 125 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 127 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 129 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Subframe mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 133 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 134 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 136 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Spring mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 143 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 144 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 146 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 147 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 148 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 151 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 152 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 153 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 155 | Headlamp washer not working | <0.01% |
| 156 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 158 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | <0.01% |
| 159 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 160 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 161 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 162 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 163 | Air brake cylinder or actuator fault | <0.01% |
| 164 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 165 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 166 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 167 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 168 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 169 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 170 | Seat belt load limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 171 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 172 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 173 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 173 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Mazda Mazda2 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Mazda Mazda2, 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 Mazda2 problems?
Based on analysis of 1.4M Mazda Mazda2 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 18 identified common problems across 3 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Ball joint worn". Tyres & Wheels is the most common problem category.
Which Mazda Mazda2 generation has the most problems?
The Mazda Mazda2 Mk2 DE (2007-2014) (2007–2014) has the highest number of identified common problems (18). 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 Mazda2?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Mazda Mazda2 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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