Used car guide

2002 Mazda Bongo diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the diesel Mazda Bongo first registered in 2002 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 135 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 135 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

135MOTs of 2002 diesel cars, done in 2023–2025
62%pass first time (all 2002 cars: 58%)
6,200typical miles a year
50%had suspension flagged

Common 2002 Mazda Bongo diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2002 Mazda Bongo diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    50% 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
    41% 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
    37% 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
    28% 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.

  • Rust and bodywork
    20% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    16% 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 2002 Mazda Bongo diesel

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

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Mazda Bongo?

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 Bongo compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2021157Lights and electrics 31%
2020352Lights and electrics 31%
2019361Lights and electrics 36%
2018476Lights and electrics 34%
2017674Suspension 38%
20161,065Suspension 40%
20151,159Suspension 40%
20141,185Suspension 46%
2013993Suspension 45%
2012858Suspension 47%
20111,005Suspension 50%
20101,177Suspension 49%
20091,061Suspension 52%
20081,416Suspension 53%
20071,825Suspension 50%
20061,793Suspension 51%
20052,116Suspension 44%
20041,638Suspension 39%
20031,125Suspension 34%
20011,394Lights and electrics 38%
20001,310Suspension 36%
19991,306Suspension 40%
1998874Suspension 47%
19971,313Suspension 52%
19961,397Suspension 53%
19951,131Suspension 54%

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 Bongo cars first registered in 2002. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score