Mazda Cx 5 MOT Failures
An analysis of 912,909 real DVSA MOT tests on the Mazda Cx 5 — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: KE (2012–2017), KF (2017–2024).
Where the Mazda Cx 5 fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the Mazda Cx 5 is anti-roll bar links worn — this model is 87 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it a major concern for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 912,909 MOT tests, 0.1% of all Mazda Cx 5 tests recorded this as a failure.
Suspension failures typically mean worn bushes, drop links, or dampers. These affect handling and tyre wear. Budget £150–£400 per corner at an independent garage for full suspension overhaul.
Other notable weak points include reflector not securely attached (74x the fleet average), front or rear fog lamp not securely attached (47x the fleet average), emissions failure (41x the fleet average), and track rod ends worn (12x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Mazda Cx 5's failure rate on each item against the national average for all cars tested — a ratio of 10x means this model fails ten times more often than a typical car.
The failures span 6 categories: Suspension, Lights & Electrics, Exhaust & Emissions, Steering, Seatbelts & Airbags and others. If you're inspecting a Mazda Cx 5 before purchase, these are the areas to focus on — and if any have been flagged as advisories on a previous MOT, they're likely to become failures in the near future.
How failures change with mileage
The Mazda Cx 5's weak points shift as the car covers more miles. Understanding these patterns helps you know what to expect — and what to budget for — at each stage of ownership.
Under 60,000 miles
At this mileage, most failures are either design-related or caused by age rather than wear. Components like bushes and drop links may not have been replaced yet, and original-fit parts can deteriorate even on low-mileage cars that spend a lot of time sitting.
For the Mazda Cx 5 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are anti-roll bar links worn (87x the average) and reflector not securely attached (74x). reflector (67x) and front or rear fog lamp not securely attached (47x) also appear frequently.
60,000 to 100,000 miles
This is where routine wear items start to show up. Brake components, tyres, and exhaust parts have done serious work by this point. Cars that have been well serviced will show fewer of these failures — this mileage band is where good maintenance really separates the well-kept from the neglected.
For the Mazda Cx 5 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are suspension component fractured or (77x the average) and reflector not securely attached (35x). front or rear fog lamp not securely attached (28x) and emissions failure (20x) also appear frequently.
Over 100,000 miles
High-mileage cars accumulate failures across multiple systems. The key question isn't whether things will need doing — they will — but whether the car has been maintained well enough to keep on top of them. Look for a consistent service history and recent MOT passes with minimal advisories.
For the Mazda Cx 5 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are front or rear fog lamp not securely attached (24x the average) and emissions failure (22x). reflector not securely attached (21x) and anti-roll bar links worn (9.7x) also appear frequently.
The shift from anti-roll bar links worn at lower mileages to front or rear fog lamp not securely attached at higher mileages is typical — early failures tend to be design or factory-related, while high-mileage failures reflect accumulated mechanical wear. A car that's been well maintained will usually dodge the worst of both.
Known issues beyond the MOT
An MOT only tests roadworthiness at a single point in time — it won't catch developing faults, intermittent problems, or issues that haven't yet reached the failure threshold. These are the issues that Mazda Cx 5 specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.
DPF blockage and excessive smoke emissions (2.2 Diesel) Major
The 2.2-litre Skyactiv-D diesel particulate filter becomes blocked when the regeneration process fails to complete, typically in vehicles used primarily for short urban journeys. Affects KE, KF; typical independent garage repair cost is £300–£2,000.
Suspension component premature failure Major
Lower control arm bushes and ball joints fail at unusually high rates across both petrol and diesel variants, with MOT data showing failure rates up to 25.9x the fleet average. Affects KE, KF; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£600.
Electronic parking gear recognition failure Major
The electronic system that detects when the gear selector is in Park position fails, preventing the engine from shutting down completely when the ignition button is pressed. Affects KE, KF; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£400.
Steering rack gaiter deterioration
The rubber gaiters protecting the steering rack inner ball joints deteriorate at 10.2x the fleet average rate according to MOT data. Affects KE, KF; typical independent garage repair cost is £80–£150.
For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Mazda Cx 5 common problems breakdown.
What to check before buying a Mazda Cx 5
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Mazda Cx 5:
Suspension — check for anti-roll bar links worn, abs fault. Lights & Electrics — check for reflector not securely attached, front or rear fog lamp not securely attached. Exhaust & Emissions — check for emissions failure.
Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about dpf blockage and excessive smoke emissions and suspension component premature failure. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £300. A specialist pre-purchase inspection is worth the investment on this model.
Always check the car's full MOT history for patterns — recurring advisories often become failures within 12 months. And verify the service history to confirm maintenance has been kept up to schedule. Enter any reg into our free car check to see the complete picture.
Looking at a specific Mazda Cx 5?
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Mazda Cx 5 MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a Mazda Cx 5?
Based on 912,909 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is anti-roll bar links worn — at 87x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include reflector not securely attached and front or rear fog lamp not securely attached.
Is the Mazda Cx 5 reliable based on MOT data?
The Mazda Cx 5 has 12 MOT failure categories above the fleet average. Specialists also flag dpf blockage and excessive smoke emissions as a concern. A pre-purchase inspection and service history check are recommended.
What MOT failures should I expect at high mileage?
Above 100,000 miles, the Mazda Cx 5 most commonly fails on front or rear fog lamp not securely attached and emissions failure. Under 60,000 miles, the main issues are anti-roll bar links worn and reflector not securely attached.
How do I check a Mazda Cx 5's MOT history?
Enter the registration number into our free car check above. You'll see every MOT test result, advisories and failures, mileage readings, write-off status, and finance checks.
MOT failure data sourced from DVSA bulk test records via data.gov.uk. Ratios compare this model's failure rate against the national fleet average. Known issues sourced from manufacturer bulletins, specialist workshops, and verified owner reports.