1998 Mazda 626: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Mazda 626 first registered in 1998: we looked at the 123 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 123 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What goes wrong more than usual on a 1998 Mazda 626?
Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1998 Mazda 626 than on all cars registered in 1998.
- Rust around suspension or steering mountings3.2× usualMazda 62626.8% All 1998 cars8.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 9.8%, against 4.5% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
Common 1998 Mazda 626 MOT failures and advisories
The share of 1998 Mazda 626 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension57% 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.
- Brakes43% 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.
- Rust and bodywork24% 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.
- Tyres24% 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 electrics18% 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 leaks15% 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.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1998 Mazda 626
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 3.2× as often on the 1998 Mazda 626 as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Mazda 626?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Mazda 626 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 120 | Suspension 41% |
| 2001 | 165 | Suspension 50% |
| 2000 | 160 | Brakes 48% |
| 1999 | 140 | Suspension 53% |
| 1997 | – | Too few tests |
| 1996 | – | Too few tests |
| 1995 | – | Too few tests |
| 1994 | – | Too few tests |
| 1993 | – | Too few tests |
| 1992 | – | Too few tests |
| 1991 | – | Too few tests |
| 1990 | – | Too few tests |
| 1989 | – | Too few tests |
| 1988 | – | Too few tests |
| 1987 | – | Too few tests |
| 1986 | – | Too few tests |
| 1985 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Mazda 626 cars first registered in 1998. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score