2001 Mazda E Series diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel Mazda E Series first registered in 2001 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 137 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 137 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2001 Mazda E Series diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2001 Mazda E Series diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension55% 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.
- Lights and electrics45% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes37% 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 bodywork34% 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.
- Tyres20% 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.
- Exhaust and emissions19% 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.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2001 Mazda E Series diesel
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Mazda E Series?
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Other years
Every year of the Mazda E Series compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 340 | Lights and electrics 34% |
| 2015 | 318 | Suspension 42% |
| 2014 | 111 | Suspension 44% |
| 2004 | 107 | Suspension 36% |
| 2002 | 173 | Suspension 46% |
| 2000 | 302 | Suspension 49% |
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 E Series cars first registered in 2001. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score