1988 Mazda Rx-7 MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Rx-7 models manufactured in 1988, based on 58 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1988 Mazda Rx-7 MOT Analysis
The 1988 Mazda Rx-7 has an MOT pass rate of 67.2% based on 58 tests — slightly above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 79,370 miles on the odometer. With a 32.8% failure rate, the 1988 Rx-7 is rated as "Good" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1988 Mazda Rx-7 is Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, responsible for 19.0% of failures. Lighting failures cover all external lights: headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, and reflectors. A single blown bulb will cause an MOT fail. This is one of the most preventable failure categories. Typical repair costs range from £5–50. Body, chassis, structure is the second most common issue at 13.8%. Tyres follows at 6.9%.
Top failures specific to 1988 models only. The overall Rx-7 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 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 19.0% | 11 |
| 2 | Body, Chassis, Structure | 13.8% | 8 |
| 3 | Tyres | 6.9% | 4 |
| 4 | Steering | 5.2% | 3 |
| 5 | Non-component Advisories | 3.4% | 2 |
| 6 | Visibility | 3.4% | 2 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 79,370 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.
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| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lamps & Electrical | 2.39 | 19.0% | 11 |
| Body & Structure | 1.74 | 13.8% | 8 |
| Tyres | 0.87 | 6.9% | 4 |
| Steering | 0.65 | 5.2% | 3 |
| Non-component advisories | 0.43 | 3.4% | 2 |
| Visibility | 0.43 | 3.4% | 2 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1988 Mazda Rx-7 has an MOT pass rate of 67.2% based on 58 tests — slightly above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 79,370 miles on the odometer. With a 32.8% failure rate, the 1988 Rx-7 is rated as "Good" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1988 Mazda Rx-7, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment: Walk around the car and check every light — headlights (dipped and main beam), side lights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, reverse light, rear fog light, and number plate lights. Replace any blown bulbs before the test. At 79,370 average miles, these vehicles are in the mid-range where component wear starts to become a factor.
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — 19.0% of failures
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues account for 19.0% of MOT failures on 1988 Mazda Rx-7 models. Lighting failures cover all external lights: headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, and reflectors. A single blown bulb will cause an MOT fail. This is one of the most preventable failure categories. Typical repair costs: £5–50. Pre-MOT check: Walk around the car and check every light — headlights (dipped and main beam), side lights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, reverse light, rear fog light, and number plate lights. Replace any blown bulbs before the test.
Body, chassis, structure — 13.8% of failures
Body, chassis, structure issues account for 13.8% of MOT failures on 1988 Mazda Rx-7 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.
Tyres — 6.9% of failures
Tyres issues account for 6.9% of MOT failures on 1988 Mazda Rx-7 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.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.