2015 Mazda 5 petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2015 Mazda 5 petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2015 Mazda 5 petrol than on all cars registered in 2015.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints3.3× usual
  Mazda 5

  19.4% All 2015 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 1.2% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Exhaust system3.1× usual
  Mazda 5

  7.2% All 2015 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 0.6% of all 2015 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 joint2.1× usual
  Mazda 5

  6.3% All 2015 cars

  3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 1.7% of all 2015 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 2015 Mazda 5 petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2015 Mazda 5 petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  37% 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
  34% 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
  27% 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
  10% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Exhaust and emissions
  8% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  8% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2015 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 suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2015 Mazda 5 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2015 Mazda 5 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2015 Mazda 5 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?