Mazda 6 models built around 2018 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.
Key figure
17% of MOT tests on Mazda 6 models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 14% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Mazda 6 models built around 2018 involves the tyres.
Before you view it
The Mazda 6's most common MOT issues, turned into things to ask about or look for.
Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.
Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.
Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.
Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.
By build year
Fail rates have been steady over the last three years. Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.
Find your 6's generation
Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.
16.7% fail rate, built around 2018 (7 years old)
Fails about as often as the average car this age (about 1 in 6 MOTs, 16.6%)
29.5% fail rate, built around 2012 (13 years old)
Fails more often than the average car this age (about 3 in 10 MOTs, 27.7%)
33.9% fail rate, built around 2007 (18 years old)
Fails more often than the average car this age (about 3 in 10 MOTs, 31.3%)
Not sure which one you're looking at?
Match your build year to its generation, then see the fail rates for those build years of the Mazda 6.
See every build year for the Mazda 6Side-by-side
Each generation is shown at 7 years old if it has at least 100 MOT tests at that age. If not, or if its cars are too new to be 7, it's shown at another age. We try ages close to 7 first. Newer generations have fewer years of data.
| Generation | Rating | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| Mk3 (GJ/GL) (2013-2023) | Average | 16.7%built around 2018 (7 years old)from 4,494 MOT tests at this age |
| Mk2 (GH) (2008-2012) | No ratingToo close to call between ratings | 29.5%built around 2012 (13 years old)from 4,088 MOT tests at this age |
| Mk1 (GG/GY) (2002-2007) | No ratingNot enough tests to rate | 33.9%built around 2007 (18 years old)from 1,882 MOT tests at this age |
Each row is one generation of the 6, shown at the age printed under its fail rate. So rows can be different ages. Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail, retests included. A rating is given only when there are enough tests to place the fail rate in one rating band with 95% confidence.
By age
This chart combines every Mazda 6 ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.
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 22 years old.
Where it ranks
Three ways to compare the same cars, built around 2018 (7 years old). The fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests, and 1st has the lowest fail rate. Only models with at least 500 MOT tests at this age are ranked. How we count fail rates
Against other Mazda models
5th of 6
5th lowest fail rate of 6 Mazda models with enough MOT tests to rank, at this age.
In the highest thirdAgainst other saloons
23rd of 29
23rd lowest fail rate of 29 saloons with enough MOT tests to rank, at this age.
Close to the middle thirdAgainst the UK average
16.7%
The share of this model's MOT tests at this age that ended in a fail.
Fails about as often as the average car this age (about 1 in 6 MOTs, 16.6%)All generations of this model
These issues come from 7-year-old Mazda 6 models, every generation combined.
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
Brake pads wearing thin
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much
Based on 4,494 MOT tests on 7-year-old Mazda 6 models, every generation combined.
All generations of this model
The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 7-year-old Mazda 6 models notes problems with more than one part of the car.
Both were noted at the same test. That doesn't mean one caused the other.
Across 1,254 MOT tests on Mazda 6 cars built around 2018 (7 years old) where more than one part of the car was noted.
Still registered
How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.
UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · Fewer than 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).
26 of the 35 Mazda 6 recalls cover cars built in these years.
Top concerns
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
Like-for-like
Same body type, tested at the same age
Lower fail rate: 12.7%, against 16.7% for the Mazda 6, both built around 2018.
10,105 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
Same body type, tested at the same age
Lower fail rate: 12.3%, against 16.7% for the Mazda 6, both built around 2018.
2,355 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
Same body type, tested at the same age
Lower fail rate: 13.3%, against 16.7% for the Mazda 6, both built around 2018.
10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
6,761 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
Same body type, tested at the same age
Lower fail rate: 13.8%, against 16.7% for the Mazda 6, both built around 2018.
2,110 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
Common questions
Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Mazda 6 across all generations combined fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. It has the 5th lowest fail rate of 6 Mazda models with enough MOT tests to rank, at this age. This is based on 4,494 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.
