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Mazda Cx-7 vs Mazda Mx-5: reliability comparison

MOT pass rates, common faults and mileage compared from real UK MOT data.

Mazda Cx-7
73%
MOT pass rate · 3,142 vehicles
Mazda Mx-5
77%
MOT pass rate · 162,634 vehicles
More reliable
Verdict: On MOT pass rate, the Mazda Mx-5 is the more reliable of the two — 77% pass first time versus 73%. It's one signal among several; check the full breakdown below.

Head to head

Measure Mazda Cx-7 Mazda Mx-5
MOT pass rate 73% 77% ✓
MOT failure rate 27% 23% ✓
Faults & advisories per test 2.1 1.8 ✓
Dangerous-fault share 3% 1% ✓
Average mileage 106,681 mi 90,085 mi
Sample size (vehicles) 3,142 162,634

Most common faults

Mazda Cx-7

  1. Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))
  2. Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
  3. Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
  4. Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
  5. Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
  6. Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components

Mazda Mx-5

  1. Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
  2. Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
  3. Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)
  4. Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)
  5. Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
  6. Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Reliability FAQ

On MOT pass rate, the Mazda Mx-5 is the more reliable of the two — 77% pass first time versus 73%. It's one signal among several; check the full breakdown below.

Full Mazda Cx-7 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.