Mazda MPV

What fails its inspection

Great Britain's MOT record for the 2008 2.0 diesel. 18 of 52 tests failed, 35%.

Better than 2% of 2008 cars. The typical one fails 26%, across 922 models with enough tests behind them to say.

The defects inspectors cite

• Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is seriously reduced
• The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired
• A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn
• Steering rack gaiter or ball joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc
• A body panel or body component damaged or corroded and likely to cause injury when grazed or contacted, or insecure
• A shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage

Where it stands out against its peers

• Body and structure: failed more often than 99% of 2008 cars — 56% of its 18 failed tests, where an ordinary 2008 car has 17%.
• Steering: failed more often than 95% of 2008 cars — 28% of its 18 failed tests, where an ordinary 2008 car has 5%.

Same model year only, at least 30 peer cars, zeros included. Every car has a worst part; this shows which, and how far from ordinary it is. A high share means more to check, not a verdict.

NHTSA's investigations are American; no European regulator publishes an equivalent record, so this section has nothing to draw on for a European car. There is no European equivalent of the service-bulletin register either.

Before you buy one

Built from what this car fails on, not from general knowledge of the model.

• Suspension — 56% of its failures
  • The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired
  • A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn
  • A shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage
• Steering — 28% of its failures
  • Steering rack gaiter or ball joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc
• Brakes — 22% of its failures
• Lights and electrics — 39% of its failures
  • An obligatory rear fog lamp missing, or a front or rear fog lamp inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
• Body and structure — 56% of its failures
  • Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is seriously reduced
  • The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired
  • A body panel or body component damaged or corroded and likely to cause injury when grazed or contacted, or insecure
• Seat belts and airbags — 17% of its failures

Recalls

Filed by the manufacturer with a regulator. A recall is repaired free of charge, whoever owns the car now.

• A12/00507/22

  In some ignition switches, too much grease have been applied to certain contact points. For a vehicle used under these conditions this can lead to carbonisation of the grease if and therefore to an increased risk of fire. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

  Recall of the product from end users

• A12/1298/16

  Over the time, the contact points inside the ignition switch may become carbonized and become conductive to electricity. As a result the ignition switch could overheat, leading to the risk of a fire.

  Recall of the product from end users