Diesel Mazda 5: MOT pass rate

61.5% of diesel Mazda 5s pass the MOT first time, measured across 2,877 DVSA tests on that fuel type alone. Average mileage at test was 103,568.

Diesel against the other Mazda 5 versions

Why the fuel type changes the number

Diesels carry DPFs, EGR valves and stricter smoke limits, so emissions and exhaust faults account for failures petrol cars never see.

On the Mazda 5 specifically, diesel is the strongest at 61.5%, and this diesel version sits 1.9 points above the 59.6% model average.

What it means if you are buying one

The diesel Mazda 5 is the stronger side of this model on MOT data. Still judge the individual car, but the fuel type is a mild point in its favour. Buying a damaged one? run it through the analyzer, check the exact car, decode the VIN and check the mileage before you bid.

Mileage is part of the answer

The average diesel Mazda 5 had covered 103,568 miles at test, against 104,878 for the petrol. That is above average and into the range where cambelts and water pumps are due if they have not already been done, so ask for the service history rather than take the mileage on trust.

Fuel type and mileage are tangled together: diesels are usually bought by higher-mileage drivers, so some of any gap between fuels is the miles rather than the engine. The per-year figures on the Mazda 5 page separate age from fuel if you want to isolate one.

Most common MOT failures on a diesel Mazda 5

1. A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn, 25.9% of tests (5.15x the national rate for this defect)
2. A shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage, 4% of tests (4.16x the national rate for this defect)
3. A suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc, 5.3% of tests (2.86x the national rate for this defect)
4. A tyre cords visible or damaged, 4.4% of tests (2.64x the national rate for this defect)
5. A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning, 5.8% of tests (2.62x the national rate for this defect)
6. a brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm, 5.2% of tests (2.4x the national rate for this defect)
7. The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired, 2.1% of tests (2.18x the national rate for this defect)
8. Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements, 5.5% of tests (1.71x the national rate for this defect)
9. A tyre seriously damaged, 4.7% of tests (1.67x the national rate for this defect)
10. Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen, 2.8% of tests (1.48x the national rate for this defect)

From 2,909 DVSA-tracked diesel Mazda 5 tests, 2024, split out from the Mazda 5's other fuel types. DVSA testers marked 5.94% of these flagged defects as "dangerous", against 5.11% nationally. See which fuel type fails on the most dangerous defects nationally for how that compares across the whole fleet.

Most common MOT advisories on a diesel Mazda 5

Flagged but doesn't fail the car, a different list from the failures above.

1. The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired, 8.7% of tests (5.71x the national rate for this defect), also fails
2. Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is seriously reduced, 6.4% of tests (5.17x the national rate for this defect)
3. A suspension component excessively damaged or corroded, 25.9% of tests (5x the national rate for this defect)
4. A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn, 46% of tests (3.44x the national rate for this defect), also fails
5. Excessive fluctuation in brake effort through each wheel revolution., 2.9% of tests (3.37x the national rate for this defect)
6. Fluid leaking excessively and likely to harm the environment or to pose a safety risk to other road users, 11% of tests (1.98x the national rate for this defect)
7. Brake disc or drum excessively weakened, insecure or fractured, 21.7% of tests (1.77x the national rate for this defect)
8. A shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage, 6.5% of tests (1.67x the national rate for this defect), also fails
9. Number plate inscription missing or illegible, 4.3% of tests (1.61x the national rate for this defect)
10. Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements, 41.1% of tests (1.54x the national rate for this defect), also fails

From 2,909 DVSA-tracked diesel Mazda 5 tests, 2024.

Other Mazda 5 fuel types

• Petrol Mazda 5 - 58.9%

All Mazda 5 MOT data · Every model