2017 Mazda E Series: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2017 Mazda E Series?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2017 Mazda E Series than on all cars registered in 2017.

• Headlights12.5× usual
  Mazda E Series

  13.8% All 2017 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 1% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Engine oil leaks8× usual
  Mazda E Series

  11.2% All 2017 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

Common 2017 Mazda E Series MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2017 Mazda E Series MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Lights and electrics
  34% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Suspension
  30% 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
  25% 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
  19% 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 emissions
  13% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  12% 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 2017 Mazda E Series

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

1. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 12.5× as often on the 2017 Mazda E Series as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 8× as often on the 2017 Mazda E Series as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?