At a Glance
The Mazda Demio has 13 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the DW (1996-2003) being the most affected generation and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 103K 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 Demio 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 Demio 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 Demio Generations
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Most Common Mazda Demio MOT Failures
Every reason Mazda Demio 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 | 10.01% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 9.99% |
| 3 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 8.04% |
| 4 | Driveshaft fault | 6.28% |
| 5 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 5.57% |
| 6 | Front lamp not working | 4.67% |
| 7 | Stop lamp not working | 4.34% |
| 8 | Tyre condition | 4.25% |
| 9 | Brake performance below minimum | 3.86% |
| 10 | Track rod end worn | 3.54% |
| 11 | Headlamp aim defect | 3.45% |
| 12 | Suspension mounting corroded | 3.18% |
| 13 | Number plate lamp not working | 3.12% |
| 14 | Brake pads or linings worn | 2.61% |
| 15 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 2.36% |
| 16 | Windscreen washer not working | 2.08% |
| 17 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.92% |
| 18 | Chassis condition | 1.62% |
| 19 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.59% |
| 20 | Body corrosion or damage | 1.58% |
| 21 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.03% |
| 22 | Exhaust system fault | 1.01% |
| 23 | Headlamp fault | 0.83% |
| 24 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.73% |
| 25 | Position lamp not working | 0.72% |
| 26 | Parking brake condition | 0.70% |
| 27 | Fog lamp not working | 0.63% |
| 28 | Airbag warning light on | 0.59% |
| 29 | Front suspension fault | 0.57% |
| 30 | Brake disc or drum worn | 0.54% |
| 31 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.54% |
| 32 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.52% |
| 33 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.49% |
| 34 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.47% |
| 35 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.47% |
| 36 | Seat belt condition | 0.44% |
| 37 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.37% |
| 38 | Indicator fault | 0.35% |
| 39 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.35% |
| 40 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.33% |
| 41 | Rear lamp not working | 0.29% |
| 42 | Horn not working | 0.21% |
| 43 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.21% |
| 44 | Brake pedal fault | 0.19% |
| 45 | Rear suspension fault | 0.17% |
| 46 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.15% |
| 47 | Brake fluid leak | 0.15% |
| 48 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.14% |
| 49 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.13% |
| 50 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.12% |
| 51 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.12% |
| 52 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.11% |
| 53 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.11% |
| 54 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.11% |
| 55 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.11% |
| 56 | ABS fault | 0.10% |
| 57 | Brake caliper fault | 0.10% |
| 58 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.10% |
| 59 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.09% |
| 60 | Steering rack fault | 0.09% |
| 61 | Brake lever fault | 0.08% |
| 62 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.08% |
| 63 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.07% |
| 64 | Steering lock fault | 0.07% |
| 65 | Brake clevis joint worn | 0.07% |
| 66 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.06% |
| 67 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.06% |
| 68 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.05% |
| 69 | Propshaft fault | 0.05% |
| 70 | Body security fault | 0.05% |
| 71 | Electrical switch fault | 0.05% |
| 72 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.05% |
| 73 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | 0.04% |
| 74 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.04% |
| 75 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.04% |
| 76 | Driver airbag fault | 0.03% |
| 77 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.03% |
| 78 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.03% |
| 79 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.03% |
| 80 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.03% |
| 81 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.02% |
| 82 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.02% |
| 83 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 84 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.02% |
| 85 | Suspension unit fault | 0.02% |
| 86 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.02% |
| 87 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.02% |
| 88 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.02% |
| 89 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.02% |
| 90 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.01% |
| 91 | Engine oil leak | 0.01% |
| 92 | Passenger airbag fault | 0.01% |
| 93 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 94 | Steering arm worn | 0.01% |
| 95 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.01% |
| 96 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.01% |
| 97 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 98 | Brake servo fault | 0.01% |
| 99 | Drag link end worn | 0.01% |
| 100 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.01% |
| 101 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | <0.01% |
| 102 | Driver seat fault | <0.01% |
| 103 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 104 | Steering free play excessive | <0.01% |
| 105 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 106 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 107 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 108 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 109 | Steering operation fault | <0.01% |
| 110 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 111 | Passenger seat fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 116 | Driver door fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 118 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | CV joint worn | <0.01% |
| 121 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 123 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 124 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 125 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 128 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 129 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 133 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 134 | Front passenger door fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 138 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 139 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 144 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 145 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 146 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
Showing all 147 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Mazda Demio MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Mazda Demio, 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 Demio problems?
Based on analysis of 103K Mazda Demio MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 13 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Brake performance below minimum". Suspension is the most common problem category.
Which Mazda Demio generation has the most problems?
The Mazda Demio DW (1996-2003) (1996–2003) has the highest number of identified common problems (15). 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 Demio?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Mazda Demio owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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