At a Glance
The Mazda 626 has 23 identified common problems across 4 generations, with the GF/GW (1997-2002) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 232K 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 626 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 626 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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Browse Mazda 626 Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
GC
Most common MOT failure: Suspension component mounting corroded
GD/GV
Top issue: CV joint worn
GE
Top issue: Brake performance below minimum
GF/GW
Top issue: Brake performance below minimum
Most Common Mazda 626 MOT Failures
Every reason Mazda 626 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 | 10.49% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 9.84% |
| 3 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 8.14% |
| 4 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 7.49% |
| 5 | Brake performance below minimum | 5.29% |
| 6 | Driveshaft fault | 4.76% |
| 7 | Number plate lamp not working | 4.22% |
| 8 | Headlamp aim defect | 4.13% |
| 9 | Front lamp not working | 4.02% |
| 10 | Brake disc or drum worn | 3.56% |
| 11 | Exhaust system fault | 3.55% |
| 12 | Tyre condition | 3.34% |
| 13 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 3.07% |
| 14 | Brake pads or linings worn | 2.93% |
| 15 | Stop lamp not working | 2.88% |
| 16 | Suspension mounting corroded | 2.72% |
| 17 | Windscreen washer not working | 1.64% |
| 18 | Body corrosion or damage | 1.49% |
| 19 | Track rod end worn | 1.41% |
| 20 | Parking brake condition | 1.35% |
| 21 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.34% |
| 22 | Chassis condition | 0.94% |
| 23 | Rear lamp not working | 0.74% |
| 24 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.66% |
| 25 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.52% |
| 26 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.49% |
| 27 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.48% |
| 28 | Fog lamp not working | 0.47% |
| 29 | Front suspension fault | 0.46% |
| 30 | ABS fault | 0.45% |
| 31 | Indicator fault | 0.42% |
| 32 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.37% |
| 33 | Seat belt condition | 0.35% |
| 34 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.31% |
| 35 | Steering rack fault | 0.27% |
| 36 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.27% |
| 37 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.26% |
| 38 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.25% |
| 39 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.25% |
| 40 | CV joint worn | 0.24% |
| 41 | Brake caliper fault | 0.24% |
| 42 | Brake fluid leak | 0.24% |
| 43 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.22% |
| 44 | Position lamp not working | 0.22% |
| 45 | Brake pedal fault | 0.19% |
| 46 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.17% |
| 47 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.16% |
| 48 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.16% |
| 49 | Horn not working | 0.15% |
| 50 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.13% |
| 51 | Rear suspension fault | 0.13% |
| 52 | Airbag warning light on | 0.13% |
| 53 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.12% |
| 54 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.11% |
| 55 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.10% |
| 56 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.10% |
| 57 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.09% |
| 58 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.09% |
| 59 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.09% |
| 60 | Headlamp fault | 0.08% |
| 61 | Steering lock fault | 0.08% |
| 62 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.07% |
| 63 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.07% |
| 64 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.07% |
| 65 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.06% |
| 66 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.06% |
| 67 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.06% |
| 68 | Brake lever fault | 0.05% |
| 69 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.04% |
| 70 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.04% |
| 71 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.03% |
| 72 | Electrical switch fault | 0.03% |
| 73 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.03% |
| 74 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.02% |
| 75 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.02% |
| 76 | Body security fault | 0.02% |
| 77 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.02% |
| 78 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.02% |
| 79 | Power steering ram fault | 0.02% |
| 80 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.02% |
| 81 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.02% |
| 82 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.02% |
| 83 | Steering free play excessive | 0.02% |
| 84 | Steering arm worn | 0.02% |
| 85 | Steering operation fault | 0.02% |
| 86 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.01% |
| 87 | Driver airbag fault | 0.01% |
| 88 | Radius arm worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 89 | Drag link end worn | 0.01% |
| 90 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.01% |
| 91 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.01% |
| 92 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 93 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 94 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | <0.01% |
| 95 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 96 | Suspension unit fault | <0.01% |
| 97 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 98 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 99 | Electrical wiring fault | <0.01% |
| 100 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 101 | Engine oil leak | <0.01% |
| 102 | Handbrake lever fault | <0.01% |
| 103 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 104 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 105 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 106 | Headlamp levelling device fault | <0.01% |
| 107 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 108 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 109 | Bumper damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 110 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 111 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 112 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 114 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 115 | Steering column fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 117 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 119 | Propshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 122 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 123 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 127 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 128 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 129 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 130 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Front passenger door fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Passenger seat fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Driver seat fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 139 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
| 140 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 141 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 142 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 146 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 147 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 148 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 149 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 151 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
Showing all 152 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Mazda 626 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Mazda 626, 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 626 problems?
Based on analysis of 232K Mazda 626 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 23 identified common problems across 4 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Brake performance below minimum". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Mazda 626 generation has the most problems?
The Mazda 626 GF/GW (1997-2002) (1997–2002) has the highest number of identified common problems (22). 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 626?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Mazda 626 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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