1989 Mazda 626 MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 626 models manufactured in 1989, based on 869 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
This page shows all 626 cars tested in 1989. Want to see how cars built in 1989 hold up over time?
View 1989 Mazda 626 vintage page → (63.3% current pass rate)1989 Mazda 626 MOT Analysis
The 1989 Mazda 626 has an MOT pass rate of 58.5% based on 869 tests — slightly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 95,830 miles on the odometer. With a 41.5% failure rate, the 1989 626 is rated as "Below Average" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1989 Mazda 626 is Suspension, responsible for 0.9% of failures. 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 range from £200–500. Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems is the second most common issue at 0.5%. Visibility follows at 0.5%.
Top failures specific to 1989 models only. The overall 626 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 | Suspension | 0.9% | 8 |
| 2 | Seat Belts And Supplementary Restraint Systems | 0.5% | 4 |
| 3 | Visibility | 0.5% | 4 |
| 4 | Body, Chassis, Structure | 0.5% | 4 |
| 5 | Brakes | 0.5% | 4 |
| 6 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 0.2% | 2 |
| 7 | Noise, Emissions And Leaks | 0.2% | 2 |
| 8 | Tyres | 0.2% | 2 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 95,830 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 0.10 | 0.9% | 8 |
| Seat Belts | 0.05 | 0.5% | 4 |
| Visibility | 0.05 | 0.5% | 4 |
| Body & Structure | 0.05 | 0.5% | 4 |
| Brakes | 0.05 | 0.5% | 4 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.02 | 0.2% | 2 |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.02 | 0.2% | 2 |
| Tyres | 0.02 | 0.2% | 2 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1989 Mazda 626 has an MOT pass rate of 58.5% based on 869 tests — slightly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 95,830 miles on the odometer. With a 41.5% failure rate, the 1989 626 is rated as "Below Average" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1989 Mazda 626, budget for potential repairs before each MOT. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to suspension: 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. With an average mileage of 95,830 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Suspension — 0.9% of failures
Suspension issues account for 0.9% of MOT failures on 1989 Mazda 626 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.
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems — 0.5% of failures
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems issues account for 0.5% of MOT failures on 1989 Mazda 626 models. Seat belt failures include frayed or cut webbing, faulty retractors, buckles that don't latch properly, and missing or damaged anchorages. All fitted seat belts must be functional. Typical repair costs: £50–200 per belt. Pre-MOT check: Pull each seat belt fully out and check for fraying, cuts, or fading. Ensure each belt retracts smoothly and the buckle clicks securely. Check the pre-tensioner warning light on the dashboard.
Visibility — 0.5% of failures
Visibility issues account for 0.5% of MOT failures on 1989 Mazda 626 models. Visibility failures relate to the windscreen, wipers, washers, mirrors, and view-obstructing damage. Cracks in the windscreen swept area, ineffective wipers, or empty washer bottles are common causes. Typical repair costs: £10–300. Pre-MOT check: Check the windscreen for chips and cracks — damage larger than 10mm in the driver's swept area or 40mm elsewhere will fail. Test washers and wipers. Ensure both door mirrors are intact and adjustable.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.