Used car guide

1999 Mazda 626: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Mazda 626 first registered in 1999: we looked at the 140 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 140 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

140MOTs of 1999 cars, done in 2023–2025
61%pass first time (all 1999 cars: 63%)
3,600typical miles a year
3.1×the usual rate for rust around suspension or steering mountings

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1999 Mazda 626?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1999 Mazda 626 than on all cars registered in 1999.

  • Rust around suspension or steering mountings3.1× usual
    Mazda 626
    25.7% All 1999 cars
    8.2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 7.9%, against 4.4% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

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

  • Brake discs2.3× usual
    Mazda 626
    24.3% All 1999 cars
    10.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.6% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

Common 1999 Mazda 626 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 Mazda 626 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.

  • Brakes
    49% 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
    31% 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
    19% 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
    10% 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 engine or DPF warning lights.

  • Rust and bodywork
    10% 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 1999 Mazda 626

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

  1. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 1999 Mazda 626 as on other cars the same age.)
  2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 1999 Mazda 626 as on other cars the same age.)
  3. 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

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2002120Suspension 41%
2001165Suspension 50%
2000160Brakes 48%
1998123Suspension 57%
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 1999. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score