Mazda 5 reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Mazda 5 is a car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 86 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 353 of 442, and 47.8% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is ball joint (8.1% of tests).
Ranked 353 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League
In 2024, 10,516 Mazda 5s aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 47.8% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Mazda 5 is 16% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
47.8%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
7,700
Typical age at test: 14 years
Mazda 5 MOT failure rate by age
Most common Mazda 5 MOT faults
- Ball joint: ball joint excessively worn8.1% of tests
- Position lamp: not working7.9% of tests
- Pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn5.9% of tests
- Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn4.5% of tests
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick4.0% of tests
- Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.0% of tests
What the Mazda 5 fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 24.8% | ▲ 1.6× as often |
| Lights and electrics | 20.4% | About average |
| Tyres | 10.5% | ▲ 1.4× as often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 10.5% | ▲ 1.9× as often |
| Brakes | 10.3% | About average |
| Body and structure | 10.3% | ▲ 1.6× as often |
| Visibility | 6.9% | ▲ 1.1× as often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 2.2% | ▲ 1.3× as often |
| Steering | 1.8% | ▼ 48% less often |
| Wheels | 0.7% | ▲ 1.2× as often |
How much is road tax on a Mazda 5?
Any Mazda 5 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates).
Work out tax for a specific carBuying a used Mazda 5?
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Frequently asked questions
›Is the Mazda 5 reliable?
Its MOT record is worse than average: the Mazda 5 is 16% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 86 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Mazda 5?
The most common MOT fault is “Ball joint: ball joint excessively worn”, found in 8.1% of tests. It fails on exhaust and emissions and body and structure more often than similar cars.
›How much is road tax on a Mazda 5?
Any Mazda 5 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates).
›How many Mazda 5s fail their MOT?
47.8% of Mazda 5s aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Mazda 5 combined (Open Government Licence v3.0). How we calculate the league.