2003 Mazda Rx 8 MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Rx 8 models manufactured in 2003, based on 652 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
This page shows all Rx 8 cars tested in 2003. Want to see how cars built in 2003 hold up over time?
View 2003 Mazda Rx 8 vintage page → (74.4% current pass rate)2003 Mazda Rx 8 MOT Analysis
The 2003 Mazda Rx 8 has an MOT pass rate of 67.0% based on 652 tests — slightly above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 66,126 miles on the odometer. With a 33.0% failure rate, the 2003 Rx 8 is rated as "Good" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 2003 Mazda Rx 8 is Noise, emissions and leaks, responsible for 2.6% of failures. 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 range from £100–1,000+. Tyres is the second most common issue at 2.6%. Suspension follows at 2.5%.
Top failures specific to 2003 models only. The overall Rx 8 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 | Noise, Emissions And Leaks | 2.6% | 17 |
| 2 | Tyres | 2.6% | 17 |
| 3 | Suspension | 2.5% | 16 |
| 4 | Brakes | 1.5% | 10 |
| 5 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 1.5% | 10 |
| 6 | Seat Belts And Supplementary Restraint Systems | 0.3% | 2 |
| 7 | Body, Chassis, Structure | 0.2% | 1 |
| 8 | Steering | 0.2% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 66,126 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.39 | 2.6% | 17 |
| Tyres | 0.39 | 2.6% | 17 |
| Suspension | 0.37 | 2.5% | 16 |
| Brakes | 0.23 | 1.5% | 10 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.23 | 1.5% | 10 |
| Seat Belts | 0.05 | 0.3% | 2 |
| Body & Structure | 0.02 | 0.2% | 1 |
| Steering | 0.02 | 0.2% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 2003 Mazda Rx 8 has an MOT pass rate of 67.0% based on 652 tests — slightly above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 66,126 miles on the odometer. With a 33.0% failure rate, the 2003 Rx 8 is rated as "Good" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 2003 Mazda Rx 8, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to noise, emissions and leaks: 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. At 66,126 average miles, these vehicles are in the mid-range where component wear starts to become a factor.
Noise, emissions and leaks — 2.6% of failures
Noise, emissions and leaks issues account for 2.6% of MOT failures on 2003 Mazda Rx 8 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.
Tyres — 2.6% of failures
Tyres issues account for 2.6% of MOT failures on 2003 Mazda Rx 8 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.
Suspension — 2.5% of failures
Suspension issues account for 2.5% of MOT failures on 2003 Mazda Rx 8 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.