MOT Risk Index.co.uk

Does the Mazda MPV fail the MOT on suspension more than it should?

The Mazda MPV records 66.49 suspension failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 26.95 expected for a car of the same age mix: more than expected for its class and age (+39.54, 95% interval +37.26 to +41.81). It ranks 3 of 701 models on suspension (1 = most failures above expected).

Data release dvsa-2024-v2 (24 Sep 2026) · page updated 30 Sep 2026 · all models on suspension · check a Mazda MPV by registration

What exactly fails on suspension?

The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the Mazda MPV is “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”, recorded 1,487 times in 2019–2024.

Mazda MPV: most frequent suspension defect wordings, 2019–2024 (30+ items each)
DVSA defect wordingItemsPer 100 tests
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 repaired1,48730.00
A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn68813.88
A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated4589.24
A suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc3737.53
A shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage621.25

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 4,956 (initial tests) · Method: failure items (major and minor) grouped by DVSA's defect tree; wordings with 30+ items · Updated: 30 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

If a Mazda MPV gets a suspension advisory, how often does it fail next time?

34.0% of Mazda MPV MOTs with a suspension advisory were followed by a fail in the same group at the next MOT, typically 12.1 months and 4,080 miles later (1,075 advisories followed).

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 1,075 (advisories followed) · Method: the same vehicles followed to their next ordinary MOT · Updated: 30 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Other pages for this model

Mazda MPV by postcode area · Mazda MPV body, chassis and structure failures · Mazda MPV brakes failures · Mazda MPV vehicle identification failures · Mazda MPV lamps, reflectors and electrics failures · Mazda MPV noise, emissions and leaks failures · Mazda MPV seat belts and airbags failures · Mazda MPV steering failures · Mazda MPV tyres failures · Mazda MPV visibility failures