2012 Mazda 2 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Mazda 2 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Mazda 2 diesel than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Ball joint4× usual
  Mazda 2

  20.7% All 2012 cars

  5.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 12.6%, against 2.9% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Rigid brake pipes3.9× usual
  Mazda 2

  19.3% All 2012 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 0.8% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Track rod ends3.3× usual
  Mazda 2

  14.1% All 2012 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.2%, against 2.2% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Engine oil leaks2.6× usual
  Mazda 2

  15.2% All 2012 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Headlights3.1× usual
  Mazda 2

  12.4% All 2012 cars

  4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 2.7% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

Common 2012 Mazda 2 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Mazda 2 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  53% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Tyres
  38% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Brakes
  32% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  29% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  18% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  14% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Known faults on the 2012 Mazda 2 diesel

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Rear wheel bearings and shock absorbers

  All engines

  Rear wheel bearings and shock absorbers can wear out early. Many bearings were replaced under warranty.

  At the viewing: Listen for droning or grumbling from the back at speed, and for knocks over bumps.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Mazda2 buying guide (2007-2015)

• Windows that mist up

  All engines

  The windows mist up easily. Using the air con all year helps.

  At the viewing: Check the demister and air con clear the screen quickly.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Mazda2 buying guide (2007-2015)

• Over-sensitive alarm

  All engines

  The alarm can go off by itself after the car is locked.

  At the viewing: Lock it, wait, then walk close around it.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Mazda2 buying guide (2007-2015)

• Clicking clutch pedal

  Manual gearbox

  Many cars click when the clutch is pressed. It’s annoying rather than a fault.

  At the viewing: Press the clutch a few times.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Mazda2 buying guide (2007-2015)

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Mazda 2 diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 4× as often on the 2012 Mazda 2 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 3.9× as often on the 2012 Mazda 2 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2012 Mazda 2 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?