At a Glance
The Mazda Mx-5 Mk1 NA has 4 identified problems that occur more often than the UK average, with Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) being the most reported. Brakes is the most common MOT failure category. Based on 440K MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on this model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read how we calculate MOT pass rates and problems →
Below: the full MOT-data picture for the Mazda Mx-5 Mk1 NA — MOT pass rate vs the UK average, common problems vs UK fleet patterns, the most likely MOT failures by frequency, fault occurrence by mileage band, and pass/fail trends. All numbers drawn from DVSA records.
Mazda Mx-5 Mk1 NA MOT Pass Rate
Across 440K MOT tests from DVSA data, the Mazda Mx-5 Mk1 NA (1989–1997) has a fail rate of 41.5%.
All-time UK average fail rate: 34.9%
Common Mazda Mx-5 Mk1 NA Problems
Owner-submitted reports plus patterns we've identified across 559 million UK MOT tests. Each MOT-derived item below — whether tagged as a Problem, Wear & Tear or Consumable — shows up noticeably more often on this generation than across the UK fleet, which is why it's here. Owner reports are pinned to the top by default; use the sort and filter pills below to view a specific tier or change the order.
Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst)
1,846
occurrences
Dashboard warning lamp fault
1,803
occurrences
Brake caliper fault
902
occurrences
Steering wheel damaged or insecure
215
occurrences
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Mazda Mx-5 Mk1 NA owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Mazda Mx-5 Mk1 NA owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
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Problems by mileage
Common problems, MOT failures and advisories on the Mazda Mx-5 Mk1 NA, grouped by the mileage they typically appear at.
628 distinct problems · 875,502 total occurrences in current filter
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Advisory items are MOT tester observations. Frequency can be influenced by driving style and usage patterns.
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Other Mazda Mx-5 Generations
Mk1 NA
1989–1997
4 problems
Current page
Mk2 NB
1998–2005
7 problems
Mk3 NC
2005–2015
4 problems
Mk4 ND
2015–2025
0 problems
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Mazda Mx-5 Mk1 NA problems?
Based on DVSA MOT data for the Mazda Mx-5 Mk1 NA (1989–1997), we have identified 4 common problems. The most frequently reported is "Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst)". Brakes is the most common MOT failure category.
How reliable is the Mazda Mx-5 Mk1 NA?
This generation has 440K MOT tests on record with a 41.5% fail rate. A fault is flagged as a "Common Problem" only when it occurs significantly more often on this model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence.
What commonly fails the MOT on a Mazda Mx-5 Mk1 NA?
There are 192 distinct MOT failure types recorded for the Mk1 NA (1989–1997), grouped by the mileage these failures typically occur. See the Common MOT Failures section on this page.
Can I report a problem with my Mazda Mx-5 Mk1 NA?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Mazda Mx-5 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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