1997 Mazda 121 MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 121 models manufactured in 1997, based on 3,664 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
This page shows all 121 cars tested in 1997. Want to see how cars built in 1997 hold up over time?
View 1997 Mazda 121 vintage page → (47.1% current pass rate)1997 Mazda 121 MOT Analysis
The 1997 Mazda 121 has an MOT pass rate of 37.7% based on 3,664 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 56,133 miles on the odometer. With a 62.3% failure rate, the 1997 121 is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1997 Mazda 121 is Brakes, responsible for 0.1% of failures. Brake-related failures include worn brake pads, corroded brake discs, leaking brake lines, and faulty brake servos. These are safety-critical components — any brake deficiency will result in an MOT fail. Typical repair costs range from £150–400. Noise, emissions and leaks is the second most common issue at 0.1%. Non-component advisories follows at 0.1%.
Top failures specific to 1997 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 | Brakes | 0.1% | 4 |
| 2 | Noise, Emissions And Leaks | 0.1% | 4 |
| 3 | Non-component Advisories | 0.1% | 2 |
| 4 | Seat Belts And Supplementary Restraint Systems | 0.1% | 2 |
| 5 | Steering | 0.1% | 2 |
| 6 | Suspension | 0.1% | 2 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 56,133 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 0.02 | 0.1% | 4 |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.02 | 0.1% | 4 |
| Non-component advisories | 0.01 | 0.1% | 2 |
| Seat Belts | 0.01 | 0.1% | 2 |
| Steering | 0.01 | 0.1% | 2 |
| Suspension | 0.01 | 0.1% | 2 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1997 Mazda 121 has an MOT pass rate of 37.7% based on 3,664 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 56,133 miles on the odometer. With a 62.3% failure rate, the 1997 121 is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1997 Mazda 121, be prepared for above-average maintenance costs. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to brakes: Listen for squealing or grinding noises. Check brake pedal feel — if it feels spongy or goes to the floor, have the system inspected immediately. Look at brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes (minimum 3mm). At 56,133 average miles, these vehicles are in the mid-range where component wear starts to become a factor.
Brakes — 0.1% of failures
Brakes issues account for 0.1% of MOT failures on 1997 Mazda 121 models. Brake-related failures include worn brake pads, corroded brake discs, leaking brake lines, and faulty brake servos. These are safety-critical components — any brake deficiency will result in an MOT fail. Typical repair costs: £150–400. Pre-MOT check: Listen for squealing or grinding noises. Check brake pedal feel — if it feels spongy or goes to the floor, have the system inspected immediately. Look at brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes (minimum 3mm).
Noise, emissions and leaks — 0.1% of failures
Noise, emissions and leaks issues account for 0.1% of MOT failures on 1997 Mazda 121 models. Emissions failures occur when exhaust gases exceed legal limits for carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), or particulate matter (diesel). Common causes include faulty oxygen sensors, clogged catalytic converters, or DPF issues on diesel vehicles. Typical repair costs: £100–1,000+. Pre-MOT check: If the engine management light is on, get it diagnosed before the MOT. For diesel cars, ensure the DPF has completed a regeneration cycle. Regular servicing and using premium fuel before the test can help.
Non-component advisories — 0.1% of failures
Non-component advisories issues account for 0.1% of MOT failures on 1997 Mazda 121 models. Non-component advisories issues are a common cause of MOT failure. Regular inspection and maintenance of these components helps ensure your vehicle passes its MOT. Typical repair costs: £100–400. Pre-MOT check: Have this system checked during regular servicing. Look for warning signs like unusual noises, vibrations, or dashboard warning lights.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.