At a Glance
The Mazda Bongo has 32 identified common problems across 2 generations, with the Friendee SG (1995-2005) being the most affected generation and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 206K 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 Bongo 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 Bongo 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 Bongo MOT Failures
Every reason Mazda Bongo 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 | 11.10% |
| 2 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 8.64% |
| 3 | Exhaust system fault | 5.52% |
| 4 | Number plate lamp not working | 5.41% |
| 5 | Stop lamp not working | 4.68% |
| 6 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 4.30% |
| 7 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.04% |
| 8 | Tyre condition | 3.52% |
| 9 | Ball joint dust cover split | 3.28% |
| 10 | Brake pads or linings worn | 3.21% |
| 11 | Driveshaft fault | 3.00% |
| 12 | Suspension mounting corroded | 2.95% |
| 13 | Windscreen washer not working | 2.88% |
| 14 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.65% |
| 15 | Headlamp fault | 2.55% |
| 16 | Position lamp not working | 2.49% |
| 17 | Front lamp not working | 2.44% |
| 18 | Track rod end worn | 1.76% |
| 19 | Fog lamp not working | 1.61% |
| 20 | Chassis condition | 1.42% |
| 21 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 1.30% |
| 22 | Body corrosion or damage | 1.17% |
| 23 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.15% |
| 24 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.08% |
| 25 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.89% |
| 26 | Indicator fault | 0.83% |
| 27 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 0.83% |
| 28 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.82% |
| 29 | Horn not working | 0.80% |
| 30 | ABS fault | 0.78% |
| 31 | Steering rack fault | 0.76% |
| 32 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.75% |
| 33 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.74% |
| 34 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.73% |
| 35 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.71% |
| 36 | Seat belt condition | 0.63% |
| 37 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.61% |
| 38 | Brake disc or drum worn | 0.60% |
| 39 | Rear lamp not working | 0.60% |
| 40 | Parking brake condition | 0.53% |
| 41 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.48% |
| 42 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.47% |
| 43 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.33% |
| 44 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.28% |
| 45 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.25% |
| 46 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.25% |
| 47 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.21% |
| 48 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.18% |
| 49 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.18% |
| 50 | Engine oil leak | 0.17% |
| 51 | Airbag warning light on | 0.17% |
| 52 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.15% |
| 53 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.14% |
| 54 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.14% |
| 55 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.14% |
| 56 | Brake lever fault | 0.12% |
| 57 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.12% |
| 58 | Brake pedal fault | 0.11% |
| 59 | Transmission oil leak | 0.11% |
| 60 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.10% |
| 61 | Electrical switch fault | 0.09% |
| 62 | Brake caliper fault | 0.09% |
| 63 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.09% |
| 64 | Front suspension fault | 0.07% |
| 65 | Passenger seat fault | 0.07% |
| 66 | Steering lock fault | 0.07% |
| 67 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.06% |
| 68 | Exhaust leak | 0.06% |
| 69 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.06% |
| 70 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.06% |
| 71 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.06% |
| 72 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.06% |
| 73 | Front passenger door fault | 0.06% |
| 74 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.05% |
| 75 | Steering coupling worn | 0.05% |
| 76 | Brake fluid leak | 0.05% |
| 77 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.05% |
| 78 | Towbar fault | 0.05% |
| 79 | Universal joint worn | 0.05% |
| 80 | Driver door fault | 0.04% |
| 81 | Body security fault | 0.04% |
| 82 | Power steering ram fault | 0.04% |
| 83 | CV joint worn | 0.04% |
| 84 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.04% |
| 85 | Propshaft fault | 0.03% |
| 86 | Spare wheel fault | 0.03% |
| 87 | Steering operation fault | 0.03% |
| 88 | Driver seat fault | 0.03% |
| 89 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.03% |
| 90 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.03% |
| 91 | Speedometer fault | 0.03% |
| 92 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | 0.03% |
| 93 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.03% |
| 94 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.02% |
| 95 | Power steering pump fault | 0.02% |
| 96 | Hydraulic fluid leak | 0.02% |
| 97 | Body strengthening plate corroded | 0.02% |
| 98 | Rear suspension fault | 0.02% |
| 99 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.02% |
| 100 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 101 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.02% |
| 102 | Steering free play excessive | 0.02% |
| 103 | Dip switch fault | 0.02% |
| 104 | Drag link end worn | 0.02% |
| 105 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.02% |
| 106 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.01% |
| 107 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.01% |
| 108 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.01% |
| 109 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.01% |
| 110 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 111 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 112 | Reversing lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 113 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Steering column fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 116 | Steering arm worn | <0.01% |
| 117 | Driver airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Handbrake cable fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 121 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 123 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 124 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 125 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 126 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 128 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 133 | Bonded suspension condition | <0.01% |
| 134 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 137 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 138 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
| 139 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Electronic stability control fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Step damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 146 | Suspension unit fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 148 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 149 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 151 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 153 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 154 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 155 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 157 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 158 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 159 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 160 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 161 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 162 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 163 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 164 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 165 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 166 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 167 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 168 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 169 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 170 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 171 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
Showing all 171 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Mazda Bongo MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Mazda Bongo, 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 Bongo problems?
Based on analysis of 206K Mazda Bongo MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 32 identified common problems across 2 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Fog lamp not working". Suspension is the most common problem category.
Which Mazda Bongo generation has the most problems?
The Mazda Bongo Friendee SG (1995-2005) (1995–2005) has the highest number of identified common problems (49). 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 Bongo?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Mazda Bongo owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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