Mazda MX-5 reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Mazda MX-5 is a sports car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 125 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 126 of 442, and 23.3% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is coil spring (3.0% of tests).
Ranked 126 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 5 of 7 sports cars
In 2024, 70,793 Mazda MX-5s aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 23.3% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Mazda MX-5 is 20% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage. At the first MOT, at three years old, 5.7% failed (UK 12.7%).
First-time fail rate
23.3%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
5.7%
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
4,500
Typical age at test: 13 years
Mazda MX-5 MOT failure rate by age
Most common Mazda MX-5 MOT faults
- Coil spring: fractured or broken3.0% of tests
- Service brake performance: excessively binding2.8% of tests
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.0% of tests
- Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength1.8% of tests
- Position lamp: not working1.7% of tests
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.7% of tests
What the Mazda MX-5 fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 8.8% | About average |
| Brakes | 6.7% | About average |
| Lights and electrics | 6.4% | ▼ 46% less often |
| Visibility | 3.8% | ▼ 25% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 3.1% | About average |
| Tyres | 3.1% | ▼ 44% less often |
| Body and structure | 2.2% | ▼ 43% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 1.1% | About average |
| Steering | 0.3% | ▼ 82% less often |
| Wheels | 0.1% | ▼ 60% less often |
What MPG does the Mazda MX-5 do?
Official economy for the Mazda MX-5 ranges from 35.3 to 47.1mpg across the 123 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2010–2025). A typical petrol version manages 41.5mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Mazda MX-5?
Any Mazda MX-5 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Mazda MX-5 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £200 to £410 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carMazda MX-5 specs and running costs
Official figures for 123 versions sold in the UK between 2010 and 2025.
Fuel types
Petrol
Official economy
35.3–47.1 mpg
CO2
139–188 g/km
Power
97–184 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax | Company car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MX-5 Mazda MX-5 Roadster 1.5 132ps Prime-Line / Black Cloth (05/24)132 PS · 6MT · listed 2025 | Petrol | 45.6 mpg | 140g | £200 | 34% |
| MX-5 Mazda MX-5 Roadster 1.5 132ps Exclusive-Line / Black Leather (05/24)132 PS · 6MT · listed 2025 | Petrol | 45.6 mpg | 140g | £200 | 34% |
| MX-5 Mazda MX-5 RF 1.5 132ps Prime-Line / Black Cloth (05/24)132 PS · 6MT · listed 2025 | Petrol | 45.6 mpg | 140g | £200 | 34% |
| MX-5 Mazda MX-5 RF 1.5 132ps Exclusive-Line / Black Leather (05/24)132 PS · 6MT · listed 2025 | Petrol | 45.6 mpg | 140g | £200 | 34% |
| MX-5 Roadster 1.5 132ps Prime-Line / Black Cloth (05/24)132 PS · 6MT · listed 2025 | Petrol | 45.6 mpg | 140g | £200 | 34% |
| MX-5 Roadster 1.5 132ps Exclusive-Line / Black Leather (05/24)132 PS · 6MT · listed 2025 | Petrol | 45.6 mpg | 140g | £200 | 34% |
| MX-5 RF 1.5 132ps Prime-Line / Black Cloth (05/24)132 PS · 6MT · listed 2025 | Petrol | 45.6 mpg | 140g | £200 | 34% |
| MX-5 RF 1.5 132ps Exclusive-Line / Black Leather (05/24)132 PS · 6MT · listed 2025 | Petrol | 45.6 mpg | 140g | £200 | 34% |
| MX-5 Mazda MX-5 Roadster 2.0 184ps Exclusive-Line / Black Leather (11/23)184 PS · 6MT · listed 2025 | Petrol | 41.5 mpg | 153g | £200 | 36% |
| MX-5 Mazda MX-5 Roadster 2.0 184ps Homura / Black Recaro (11/23)184 PS · 6MT · listed 2025 | Petrol | 41.5 mpg | 153g | £200 | 36% |
| MX-5 Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 184ps Exclusive-Line / Black Leather (11/23)184 PS · 6MT · listed 2025 | Petrol | 41.5 mpg | 153g | £200 | 36% |
| MX-5 Mazda MX-5 Roadster 2.0 184ps Exclusive-Line / Black Leather (12/24)184 PS · 6MT · listed 2025 | Petrol | 41.5 mpg | 153g | £200 | 36% |
| MX-5 Mazda MX-5 Roadster 2.0 184ps Homura / Black Recaro (12/24)184 PS · 6MT · listed 2025 | Petrol | 41.5 mpg | 153g | £200 | 36% |
| MX-5 Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 184ps Exclusive-Line / Black Leather (12/24)184 PS · 6MT · listed 2025 | Petrol | 41.5 mpg | 153g | £200 | 36% |
| MX-5 Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 184ps Homura / Black Recaro (12/24)184 PS · 6MT · listed 2025 | Petrol | 41.5 mpg | 153g | £200 | 36% |
Economy and CO2 are official WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Company car tax is the 2026/27 benefit-in-kind rate. Showing the 15 most recent of 123 versions.
What a Mazda MX-5 costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 41.5mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Mazda MX-5Buying a used Mazda MX-5?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the Mazda MX-5 with other sports cars
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other Mazda models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Mazda MX-5 reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the Mazda MX-5 is 20% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 125 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Mazda MX-5?
The most common MOT fault is “Coil spring: fractured or broken”, found in 3.0% of tests.
›What MPG does the Mazda MX-5 do?
Official economy for the Mazda MX-5 ranges from 35.3 to 47.1mpg across the 123 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2010–2025). A typical petrol version manages 41.5mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Mazda MX-5?
Any Mazda MX-5 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Mazda MX-5 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £200 to £410 a year.
›How many Mazda MX-5s fail their MOT?
23.3% of Mazda MX-5s aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024, and 5.7% failed at their first MOT.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Mazda MX-5 combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.