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Mazda 2 Mk1 (DY) (2003-2006) reliability

At a glance

Mazda 2 Mk1 (DY) built around 2006: about average at the MOT

Mazda 2 Mk1 (DY) models built around 2006 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at a Mazda 2 Mk1 (DY) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

31% of MOT tests on Mazda 2 Mk1 (DY) models built around 2006 ended in a fail (retests included), against 32% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Mazda 2 Mk1 (DY) models built around 2006 involves the brakes.

Mazda 2 Mk1 (DY)
No reliability rating: not enough tests to rate2003-2006HatchbackPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 3,862 tests of 2 models registered 2003-2006.

About 1 in 12 2 Mk1 (DY) MOTs (7.7%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2006 (19 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 1,336 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 15 2 Mk1 (DY) MOTs (6.4%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2006 (19 years old).

Based on 1,336 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk1 (DY) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
49131.8%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
1,33630.8%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
1,08832.4%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
79331.6%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
15431.8%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 20 years old.

How the 2 Mk1 (DY) compares

At each age below, see how the 2 Mk1 (DY) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 13,509 tests across 8 Mazda models, built around 2006 (19 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateMazda average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
49131.8%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
1,33630.8%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
1,08832.4%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
79331.6%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
15431.8%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake pipes and hoses

High priority

Look under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension springs

Worth checking

Check ride height is even side-to-side and look for cracked or rusted coils.

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other hatchbacks to compare

Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the 2 Mk1 (DY).

  1. 1

    Subaru Impreza

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    21%

    Lower fail rate: 21.0%, against 30.8% for the Mazda 2 Mk1 (DY), both built around 2006.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    2,256 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

  2. 2

    Mini

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    32.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.6%

    No clear edge over the Mazda 2 Mk1 (DY) on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.

    25,644 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

  3. 3

    Toyota Corolla

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    29.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.6%
    Dangerous
    7.1%

    No clear edge over the Mazda 2 Mk1 (DY) on these figures.

    7 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    14,210 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

  4. 4

    Toyota Prius

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    29.2%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.5%
    Dangerous
    5.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.4%

    No clear edge over the Mazda 2 Mk1 (DY) on these figures.

    5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    3,519 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

95%of all Mazda 2 cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

12 recalls in all

No recall notices match this build period.

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

What has gone wrong on 2 Mk1 (DY) cars built around 2006

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 283 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
46%
Emissions
30%
Steering
10%
Drivetrain
5%
Bodywork
4%

Wear items

Brakes
50%
Lighting
46%
Tyres
45%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 18% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.

Fail rate by engine size, built around 2006 (19 years old)

Engine sizes across all petrol 2 tests (not specific to Mk1 (DY)).

1.0 to 1.4 litres29.4%503 tests1.4 to 2.0 litres32.3%731 tests
How 2 Mk1 (DY) cars have aged

How 2 Mk1 (DY) cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%1516171819202122Age at MOTBuilt around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 29.2% (1,822 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 29.8% (1,551 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 29.1% (1,276 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 29.5% (1,039 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 31.4% (872 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 29.9% (1,547 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 30.7% (1,311 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 30.3% (1,098 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 31.0% (920 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 31.8% (733 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 30.6% (1,396 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 31.1% (1,137 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 30.7% (939 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 31.3% (752 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 30.6% (563 tests, 2025 data)2004Built around 2003, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 30.1% (498 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2003, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 30.8% (412 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2003, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 29.4% (252 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2003, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 30.6% (193 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2003, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 31.8% (154 tests, 2025 data)2003
First registered around 2006First registered around 2005First registered around 2004First registered around 2003
Mk1 (DY) variants compared
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Mazda 2 models of this age

This list covers every Mazda 2 built around 2006, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 (DY) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease

    26.0%
    Advisory: 481Fail: 76 (14% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    19.4%
    Advisory: 338Fail: 23 (6% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    16.1%
    Advisory: 267Fail: 50 (16% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Coil spring corroded

    14.8%
    Advisory: 277Fail: 28 (9% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    14.7%
    Advisory: 202Fail: 2 (1% of the times it was found)

Based on 1,336 tests

Looking at a Mazda 2 Mk1 (DY) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2006 (19 years old), the Mazda 2 Mk1 (DY) (2003-2006) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 1,336 19-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 3,862 MOT tests on Mazda 2 models first registered between 2003-2006. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.