2010 Mazda 5 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2010 Mazda 5 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2010 Mazda 5 diesel than on all cars registered in 2010.

• Anti-roll bar link joints4.2× usual
  Mazda 5

  15.8% All 2010 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.9%, against 1.5% of all 2010 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.

• Number plate lights2.1× usual
  Mazda 5

  18% All 2010 cars

  8.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 2.4% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Ball joint2.5× usual
  Mazda 5

  15.4% All 2010 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.1%, against 3.3% of all 2010 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.

Common 2010 Mazda 5 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2010 Mazda 5 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  58% 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.

• Brakes
  39% 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.

• Tyres
  39% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  38% 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
  14% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  12% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2010 Mazda 5 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 anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.2× as often on the 2010 Mazda 5 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2010 Mazda 5 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2010 Mazda 5 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?