Mazda Mx-5 vs Mazda Mx5 roadster: reliability comparison
MOT pass rates, common faults and mileage compared from real UK MOT data.
Mazda Mx-5
77%
MOT pass rate · 162,634 vehicles
Mazda Mx5 roadster
68%
MOT pass rate · 15 vehicles
Verdict: On MOT pass rate the Mazda Mx-5 (77%) and Mazda Mx5 roadster (68%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Head to head
| Measure | Mazda Mx-5 | Mazda Mx5 roadster |
|---|---|---|
| MOT pass rate | 77% ✓ | 68% |
| MOT failure rate | 23% ✓ | 32% |
| Faults & advisories per test | 1.8 ✓ | 2.7 |
| Dangerous-fault share | 1% | 1% |
| Average mileage | 90,085 mi | 120,835 mi |
| Sample size (vehicles) | 162,634 | 15 |
Most common faults
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))
Mazda Mx5 roadster
- 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)
- Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))
- Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)
Reliability FAQ
On MOT pass rate the Mazda Mx-5 (77%) and Mazda Mx5 roadster (68%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Full Mazda Mx-5 report Full Mazda Mx5 roadster 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.