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Mazda 5 Mk1 (CR) (2005-2009) reliability

At a glance

Mazda 5 Mk1 (CR) built around 2008: more dangerous faults than average

Testers find a dangerous fault on Mazda 5 Mk1 (CR) models built around 2008 more often than on similar cars the same age. Look closely at the suspension on any car you view. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at a Mazda 5 Mk1 (CR) right now?

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

Key figure

11% of MOT tests on Mazda 5 Mk1 (CR) models built around 2008 found a fault the tester marked as dangerous, against 8% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Mazda 5 Mk1 (CR) models built around 2008 involves the suspension.

No reliability rating: not enough tests to rate2005-2009MPVPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 5,842 tests of 5 models registered 2005-2009.

About 1 in 9 5 Mk1 (CR) MOTs (10.7%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2008 (17 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 1,887 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 9 5 Mk1 (CR) MOTs (11.1%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2008 (17 years old).

Based on 1,887 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk1 (CR) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
71138.5%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
1,65035.3%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
1,88736.3%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
1,11738.8%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
40937.6%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
6835.3%

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 18 years old.

How the 5 Mk1 (CR) compares

At each age below, see how the 5 Mk1 (CR) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 28,181 tests across 8 Mazda models, built around 2008 (17 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateMazda average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
71138.5%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
1,65035.3%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
1,88736.3%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
1,11738.8%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
40937.6%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
6835.3%

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.

Independent inspection

High priority

Have an independent specialist inspect the car before you commit.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Suspension

Worth checking

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

Tyres

Worth checking

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

Exhaust

Worth checking

Listen for blow noises from a cold start; check for rust and leaks at the manifold and cat connections.

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 people carriers to compare

Other people carriers, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the 5 Mk1 (CR).

  1. 1

    Toyota Estima

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    21.1%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4.5%
    Dangerous
    5.4%

    Lower fail rate: 21.1%, against 36.3% for the Mazda 5 Mk1 (CR), both built around 2008.

    1,330 MOT tests on cars built around 2008

  2. 2

    Toyota Alphard

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    21%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6.2%
    Dangerous
    5.6%

    Lower fail rate: 21.0%, against 36.3% for the Mazda 5 Mk1 (CR), both built around 2008.

    2,023 MOT tests on cars built around 2008

  3. 3

    Nissan Elgrand

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    23.1%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    8.5%
    Dangerous
    8.2%

    Lower fail rate: 23.1%, against 36.3% for the Mazda 5 Mk1 (CR), both built around 2008.

    2,345 MOT tests on cars built around 2008

  4. 4

    Volkswagen Caddy

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    29.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    9.4%
    Dangerous
    6.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.8%

    Lower fail rate: 29.5%, against 36.3% for the Mazda 5 Mk1 (CR), both built around 2008.

    6,217 MOT tests on cars built around 2008

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

92%of all Mazda 5 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% · The same

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

6 recalls in all

4 of the 6 5 Mk1 (CR) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 4 recalls

Top concerns

  • Engine may stall
  • Engine revs may increase inadvertently
  • Engine mounting may fail under sudden acceleration

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

What has gone wrong on 5 Mk1 (CR) cars built around 2008

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 290 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
84%
Emissions
45%
Drivetrain
28%
Steering
5%
Bodywork
2%

Wear items

Lighting
63%
Brakes
60%
Tyres
59%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 42% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

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

How 5 Mk1 (CR) cars have aged

How 5 Mk1 (CR) 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%40%1214161820Age at MOTBuilt around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 33.1% (1,599 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 34.6% (1,406 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 35.0% (1,144 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 33.7% (910 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 35.9% (772 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 34.4% (2,926 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 36.6% (2,496 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 35.4% (1,968 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 36.6% (1,528 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 35.3% (1,090 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 37.4% (2,588 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 36.0% (1,959 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 38.2% (1,520 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 37.3% (1,102 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 37.4% (812 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 37.6% (1,347 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 38.0% (968 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 36.6% (669 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 36.8% (440 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 37.4% (305 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 38.5% (291 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 36.2% (199 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 36.8% (136 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 35.1% (94 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 35.3% (68 tests, 2025 data)2005
First registered around 2009First registered around 2008First registered around 2007First registered around 2006
How each part holds up as Mk1 (CR) cars age

How each part holds up as Mk1 (CR) cars age

The share of petrol cars built 2005-2008 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.

Part of the car17 years18 years19 years20 years
Suspension84%86%85%83%
Brakes60%63%56%51%
Emissions45%57%57%45%
Tyres59%65%68%78%
Lighting63%66%72%68%
Drivetrain28%34%26%17%
Bodywork2%4%13%13%
Steering5%3%2%2%
Corrosion42%49%58%44%

Based on petrol cars in the 2005-2008 build-year band, from 131 to 307 cars at each age.

Mk1 (CR) variants compared

5 Mk1 (CR) variants built around 2008

The fail rate for each 5 Mk1 (CR) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • 536.5%1,647 tests

Diesel

  • 535.0%240 tests
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Mazda 5 models of this age

This list covers every Mazda 5 built around 2008, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 (CR) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

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

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    34.9%
    Advisory: 770Fail: 370 (32% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    28.6%
    Advisory: 738Fail: 63 (8% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Suspension part corroded, but not seriously weakened

    26.3%
    Advisory: 812Fail: 20 (2% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Exhaust has a minor leak

    17.9%
    Advisory: 288Fail: 83 (22% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    17.1%
    Advisory: 448Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)

Based on 1,887 tests

Looking at a Mazda 5 Mk1 (CR) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2008 (17 years old), the Mazda 5 Mk1 (CR) (2005-2009) fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. This is based on 1,887 17-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 5,842 MOT tests on Mazda 5 models first registered between 2005-2009. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.