1989 Mazda 121 MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 121 models manufactured in 1989, based on 451 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
This page shows all 121 cars tested in 1989. Want to see how cars built in 1989 hold up over time?
View 1989 Mazda 121 vintage page → (37.8% current pass rate)1989 Mazda 121 MOT Analysis
The 1989 Mazda 121 has an MOT pass rate of 48.6% based on 451 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 81,553 miles on the odometer. With a 51.4% failure rate, the 1989 121 is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1989 Mazda 121 is Tyres, responsible for 1.3% of failures. Tyre failures include tread depth below the legal minimum of 1.6mm, cuts, bulges, exposed cords, and incorrect tyre pressure. Tyres are one of the most common and easiest-to-prevent MOT failures. Typical repair costs range from £50–200 per tyre. Body, chassis, structure is the second most common issue at 0.9%. Suspension follows at 0.9%.
Top failures specific to 1989 models only. The overall 121 page may show different rankings.
What Fails Most
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
View as table
| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyres | 1.3% | 6 |
| 2 | Body, Chassis, Structure | 0.9% | 4 |
| 3 | Suspension | 0.9% | 4 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 81,553 miFor every 10,000 miles driven, this shows what percentage of MOT tests fail for each category. This accounts for how far cars are actually driven, not just raw pass/fail counts.
View as table
| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 0.16 | 1.3% | 6 |
| Body & Structure | 0.11 | 0.9% | 4 |
| Suspension | 0.11 | 0.9% | 4 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1989 Mazda 121 has an MOT pass rate of 48.6% based on 451 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 81,553 miles on the odometer. With a 51.4% failure rate, the 1989 121 is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1989 Mazda 121, be prepared for above-average maintenance costs. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to tyres: Check tread depth with a 20p coin — if the outer band is visible, the tyre is too worn. Look for bulges, cuts, or embedded objects. Ensure all tyres match the recommended size and load rating. With an average mileage of 81,553 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Tyres — 1.3% of failures
Tyres issues account for 1.3% of MOT failures on 1989 Mazda 121 models. Tyre failures include tread depth below the legal minimum of 1.6mm, cuts, bulges, exposed cords, and incorrect tyre pressure. Tyres are one of the most common and easiest-to-prevent MOT failures. Typical repair costs: £50–200 per tyre. Pre-MOT check: Check tread depth with a 20p coin — if the outer band is visible, the tyre is too worn. Look for bulges, cuts, or embedded objects. Ensure all tyres match the recommended size and load rating.
Body, chassis, structure — 0.9% of failures
Body, chassis, structure issues account for 0.9% of MOT failures on 1989 Mazda 121 models. Body and structure failures include excessive corrosion, sharp edges, loose panels, and damage to the vehicle frame. Rust is the primary concern, especially on older vehicles or those exposed to road salt. Typical repair costs: £100–500+. Pre-MOT check: Inspect sills, wheel arches, door bottoms, and the chassis for rust. Surface rust is acceptable but structural corrosion or holes will fail. Check that all doors, bonnet, and boot close securely.
Suspension — 0.9% of failures
Suspension issues account for 0.9% of MOT failures on 1989 Mazda 121 models. Suspension failures typically involve worn bushes, leaking shock absorbers, broken coil springs, and damaged suspension arms. These affect ride quality, tyre wear, and road holding. Typical repair costs: £200–500. Pre-MOT check: Look for uneven tyre wear, listen for clunking over bumps, and check if the car pulls to one side. A bouncy ride suggests worn shock absorbers. Visually inspect coil springs for cracks.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.