At a Glance
The Mazda Mazda5 has 23 identified common problems across 2 generations, with the Mk1 (2005-2010) being the most affected generation and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 290K 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 Mazda5 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 Mazda5 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 Mazda5 MOT Failures
Every reason Mazda Mazda5 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 | 17.95% |
| 2 | Tyre condition | 8.90% |
| 3 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 7.85% |
| 4 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 7.60% |
| 5 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 6.68% |
| 6 | Brake pads or linings worn | 4.88% |
| 7 | Number plate lamp not working | 3.38% |
| 8 | Position lamp not working | 3.37% |
| 9 | Headlamp fault | 2.85% |
| 10 | Exhaust system fault | 2.80% |
| 11 | Front lamp not working | 2.68% |
| 12 | Driveshaft fault | 2.58% |
| 13 | Brake performance below minimum | 2.46% |
| 14 | Windscreen washer not working | 2.42% |
| 15 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.41% |
| 16 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 2.27% |
| 17 | Ball joint dust cover split | 2.12% |
| 18 | Stop lamp not working | 1.47% |
| 19 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 1.46% |
| 20 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.38% |
| 21 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.02% |
| 22 | Brake disc or drum worn | 0.98% |
| 23 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.83% |
| 24 | Seat belt condition | 0.75% |
| 25 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.67% |
| 26 | Track rod end worn | 0.53% |
| 27 | Airbag warning light on | 0.52% |
| 28 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.46% |
| 29 | Parking brake condition | 0.29% |
| 30 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.28% |
| 31 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.27% |
| 32 | ABS fault | 0.23% |
| 33 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.22% |
| 34 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.21% |
| 35 | Indicator fault | 0.21% |
| 36 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.21% |
| 37 | Brake fluid leak | 0.21% |
| 38 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.20% |
| 39 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.19% |
| 40 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.18% |
| 41 | Brake caliper fault | 0.18% |
| 42 | Chassis condition | 0.17% |
| 43 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.16% |
| 44 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.16% |
| 45 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.14% |
| 46 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.13% |
| 47 | Electrical switch fault | 0.13% |
| 48 | Steering rack fault | 0.13% |
| 49 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 0.13% |
| 50 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.12% |
| 51 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.12% |
| 52 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.12% |
| 53 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.11% |
| 54 | Engine oil leak | 0.11% |
| 55 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.11% |
| 56 | Brake lever fault | 0.11% |
| 57 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.10% |
| 58 | Front suspension fault | 0.10% |
| 59 | Rear lamp not working | 0.09% |
| 60 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.08% |
| 61 | Fog lamp not working | 0.08% |
| 62 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.07% |
| 63 | Brake pedal fault | 0.07% |
| 64 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.07% |
| 65 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.06% |
| 66 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.06% |
| 67 | Horn not working | 0.06% |
| 68 | Propshaft fault | 0.06% |
| 69 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.06% |
| 70 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.05% |
| 71 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.05% |
| 72 | Suspension unit fault | 0.05% |
| 73 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.05% |
| 74 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.05% |
| 75 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.04% |
| 76 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.04% |
| 77 | Rear suspension fault | 0.04% |
| 78 | Steering lock fault | 0.04% |
| 79 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.04% |
| 80 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.03% |
| 81 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.03% |
| 82 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.03% |
| 83 | Brake master cylinder fault | 0.02% |
| 84 | Driver airbag fault | 0.02% |
| 85 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | 0.02% |
| 86 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.02% |
| 87 | Body security fault | 0.02% |
| 88 | Passenger seat fault | 0.02% |
| 89 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.02% |
| 90 | Brake servo fault | 0.02% |
| 91 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 92 | Hydraulic fluid leak | 0.01% |
| 93 | Transmission oil leak | 0.01% |
| 94 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.01% |
| 95 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.01% |
| 96 | Front passenger door fault | 0.01% |
| 97 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.01% |
| 98 | Drag link end worn | <0.01% |
| 99 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 100 | Subframe mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 101 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 102 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 103 | Steering arm worn | <0.01% |
| 104 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 105 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 106 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 107 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 108 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | <0.01% |
| 109 | Driver door fault | <0.01% |
| 110 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 111 | Steering operation fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 113 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Driver seat fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Headlamp washer not working | <0.01% |
| 116 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 117 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 118 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | <0.01% |
| 119 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 120 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Steering column fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Steering free play excessive | <0.01% |
| 127 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 130 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 132 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | <0.01% |
| 133 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 134 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 137 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 138 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 139 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 140 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Spring mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 143 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 146 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 148 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 149 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 152 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 153 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 154 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 155 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 158 | Handlebars damaged | <0.01% |
| 159 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 160 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 161 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 162 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 163 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 164 | Step damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 165 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 166 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 167 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
Showing all 167 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Mazda Mazda5 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Mazda Mazda5, 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 Mazda5 problems?
Based on analysis of 290K Mazda Mazda5 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 23 identified common problems across 2 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Spark ignition emissions above threshold". Suspension is the most common problem category.
Which Mazda Mazda5 generation has the most problems?
The Mazda Mazda5 Mk1 (2005-2010) (2005–2010) has the highest number of identified common problems (24). 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 Mazda5?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Mazda Mazda5 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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