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Mazda MX-5 Mk4 (ND) (2015-2024) reliability

At a glance

Mazda MX-5 Mk4 (ND) built around 2018: about average at the MOT

Mazda MX-5 Mk4 (ND) models built around 2018 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Mazda MX-5 Mk4 (ND) right now?

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

Key figure

10% of MOT tests on Mazda MX-5 Mk4 (ND) models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 11% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Mazda MX-5 Mk4 (ND) models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

Mazda MX-5 Mk4 (ND)
excellent reliability2015-2024ConvertiblePETROL

Based on 25,839 tests of MX-5 models registered 2015-2024.

About 1 in 15 petrol MX-5 cars registered in 2022 (5.9%) failed their first MOT.

Based on 1,254 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).

1.6% of MX-5 Mk4 (ND) MOTs failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 4,934 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 30 MX-5 Mk4 (ND) MOTs (3.3%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).

Based on 4,934 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk4 (ND) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
3 yearsbuilt around 2022
1,5675.3%
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
1,5175.5%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
2,1357.9%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
4,5978.8%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
4,9349.8%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
4,70410.3%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
4,54012.4%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
1,84514.1%

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 10 years old.

How the MX-5 Mk4 (ND) compares

At each age below, see how the MX-5 Mk4 (ND) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 43,359 tests across 7 Mazda models, built around 2018 (7 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateMazda average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
3 yearsbuilt around 2022
1,5675.3%
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
1,5175.5%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
2,1357.9%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
4,5978.8%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
4,9349.8%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
4,70410.3%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
4,54012.4%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
1,84514.1%

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 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.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Tyres

Worth checking

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

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

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

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 convertibles to compare

Other convertibles, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the MX-5 Mk4 (ND).

  1. 1

    Mercedes-Benz Slc

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.7%

    No clear edge over the Mazda MX-5 Mk4 (ND) on these figures.

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

    2,558 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    Porsche Boxster

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    7.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.9%
    Dangerous
    3.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    97.9%

    Lower fail rate: 7.3%, against 9.8% for the Mazda MX-5 Mk4 (ND), both built around 2018.

    1,067 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

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

98%of all Mazda MX-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% · More 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).

Recall context

9 recalls in all

7 of the 9 MX-5 Mk4 (ND) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 Critical
  • 5 more

Top concerns

  • Fuel pipe concern
  • Control logic which monitors the charging control program fails to divert electrical power away from capacitor in the EV
  • Low pressure fuel pump impeller might become deformed

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

What has gone wrong on MX-5 Mk4 (ND) cars built around 2018

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 333 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
2%
Emissions
1%

Wear items

Tyres
11%
Brakes
7%
Lighting
3%
How MX-5 Mk4 (ND) cars have aged

How MX-5 Mk4 (ND) 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.

Some lines cover only a year or two, so read this as a rough guide.

0%10%345678910Age at MOTBuilt around 2021, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 5.8% (1,099 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2021, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 5.6% (999 tests, 2025 data)2021Built around 2020, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 5.6% (727 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2020, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 5.8% (672 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2020, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 9.6% (626 tests, 2025 data)2020Built around 2019, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 5.9% (3,214 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2019, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 6.0% (3,015 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2019, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 8.2% (2,892 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2019, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 8.4% (2,834 tests, 2025 data)2019Built around 2018, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 6.7% (3,541 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2018, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 6.9% (3,225 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2018, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 8.2% (3,084 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2018, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 9.1% (3,008 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2018, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 10.0% (2,942 tests, 2025 data)2018Built around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 7.2% (3,409 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 7.9% (3,272 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 8.3% (3,209 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 9.6% (3,127 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 9.9% (3,065 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 8.2% (3,125 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 8.8% (3,040 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 10.5% (3,043 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 11.9% (3,002 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 12.9% (2,969 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 10.0% (2,041 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 11.6% (1,967 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 11.5% (1,914 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 14.1% (1,856 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 14.1% (1,845 tests, 2025 data)2015
First registered around 2021First registered around 2020First registered around 2019First registered around 2018
How each part holds up as Mk4 (ND) cars age

How each part holds up as Mk4 (ND) cars age

The share of petrol cars built 2017-2020 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 car6 years7 years8 years
Suspension1%2%3%
Brakes6%7%14%
Emissions1%1%1%
Tyres6%11%12%
Lighting3%3%3%
Corrosion0%1%0%

Based on petrol cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 321 to 361 cars at each age.

Mk4 (ND) variants compared
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Mazda MX-5 models of this age

This list covers every Mazda MX-5 built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk4 (ND) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

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

  1. 1
    Advisory

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

    13.1%
    Advisory: 960Fail: 14 (1% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    11.1%
    Advisory: 971Fail: 74 (7% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    9.9%
    Advisory: 546Fail: 98 (15% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

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

    8.9%
    Advisory: 645Fail: 49 (7% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

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

    8.9%
    Advisory: 668Fail: 44 (6% of the times it was found)

Based on 4,934 tests

Looking at a Mazda MX-5 Mk4 (ND) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Mazda MX-5 Mk4 (ND) (2015-2024) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 4,934 7-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 25,839 MOT tests on Mazda MX-5 models first registered between 2015-2024. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.