2009 Mazda 5 petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Mazda 5 petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Mazda 5 petrol than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Exhaust system2.4× usual
  Mazda 5

  19.1% All 2009 cars

  7.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.2%, against 2.2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Ball joint2.5× usual
  Mazda 5

  15.9% All 2009 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.1%, against 3.4% of all 2009 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.

• Headlights2.4× usual
  Mazda 5

  16.6% All 2009 cars

  7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.6%, against 3.7% of all 2009 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints3.1× usual
  Mazda 5

  12.9% All 2009 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5%, against 1.6% of all 2009 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.8× usual
  Mazda 5

  13.2% All 2009 cars

  4.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.5%, against 2.3% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

Common 2009 Mazda 5 petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Mazda 5 petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  61% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  40% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  35% 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
  33% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  23% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.

• Driveshafts and joints
  13% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 Mazda 5 petrol

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

1. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2009 Mazda 5 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2009 Mazda 5 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2009 Mazda 5 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?