Mazda 626 s vs Mazda Mx-5: reliability comparison
MOT pass rates, common faults and mileage compared from real UK MOT data.
Mazda 626 s
59%
MOT pass rate · 3 vehicles
Mazda Mx-5
77%
MOT pass rate · 162,634 vehicles
Verdict: On MOT pass rate the Mazda 626 s (59%) and Mazda Mx-5 (77%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Head to head
| Measure | Mazda 626 s | Mazda Mx-5 |
|---|---|---|
| MOT pass rate | 59% | 77% ✓ |
| MOT failure rate | 41% | 23% ✓ |
| Faults & advisories per test | 2.4 | 1.8 ✓ |
| Dangerous-fault share | 0% ✓ | 1% |
| Average mileage | 125,753 mi | 90,085 mi |
| Sample size (vehicles) | 3 | 162,634 |
Most common faults
Mazda 626 s
- Nearside Outer Front constant velocity joint gaiter deteriorated (2.5.C.1a)
- Offside Outer Front constant velocity joint gaiter deteriorated (2.5.C.1a)
- Nearside Front Front constant velocity joint gaiter split (2.5.C.1a)
- Service brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)
- Nearside Front Front suspension has slight movement at a wishbone pin or bush (2.5.A.1c)
- Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)
Mazda Mx-5
- Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)
- Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)
- Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))
Reliability FAQ
On MOT pass rate the Mazda 626 s (59%) and Mazda Mx-5 (77%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Full Mazda 626 s report Full Mazda Mx-5 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.