Mazda 2 vs Mazda Miata: reliability comparison
MOT pass rates, common faults and mileage compared from real UK MOT data.
Mazda 2
78%
MOT pass rate · 146,943 vehicles
Mazda Miata
61%
MOT pass rate · 13 vehicles
Verdict: On MOT pass rate the Mazda 2 (78%) and Mazda Miata (61%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Head to head
| Measure | Mazda 2 | Mazda Miata |
|---|---|---|
| MOT pass rate | 78% ✓ | 61% |
| MOT failure rate | 22% ✓ | 39% |
| Faults & advisories per test | 1.7 ✓ | 1.8 |
| Dangerous-fault share | 3% | 0% ✓ |
| Average mileage | 76,654 mi | 100,220 mi |
| Sample size (vehicles) | 146,943 | 13 |
Most common faults
Mazda 2
- Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
- Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
- Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))
- Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))
- Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))
- Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))
Mazda Miata
- Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))
- Nearside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))
- Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))
- Offside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))
- Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))
- Front position lamp(s) incorrect colour (1.1.A.3e)
Reliability FAQ
On MOT pass rate the Mazda 2 (78%) and Mazda Miata (61%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Full Mazda 2 report Full Mazda Miata report Most reliable cars
Pass rates are computed over completed (pass/fail) MOT tests. Reliability also depends on age, mileage and upkeep — see each model's page for the full picture.