Does the Mazda MX-5 fail the MOT on visibility more than it should?

The Mazda MX-5 records 7.06 visibility failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 10.08 expected for a car of the same age mix: less than expected for its class and age (−3.02, 95% interval −3.11 to −2.93). It ranks 612 of 746 models on visibility (1 = most failures above expected).

Data release dvsa-2024-v2 (24 Sep 2026) · page updated 30 Sep 2026 · all models on visibility · check a Mazda MX-5 by registration

What exactly fails on visibility?

The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the Mazda MX-5 is “Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view”, recorded 10,477 times in 2019–2024.

Mazda MX-5: most frequent visibility defect wordings, 2019–2024 (30+ items each)
DVSA defect wording	Items	Per 100 tests
Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view	10,477	2.10
Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen	10,396	2.08
Wiper blade defective	6,874	1.38
Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen	5,715	1.14
Obligatory mirror or device slightly damaged or loose	475	0.10

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 499,285 (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

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Does the Mazda MX-5 fail the MOT on visibility more than it should?

What exactly fails on visibility?

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