Mazda Rx-7
From 1,191 MOT tests. Above average for its class.
Common MOT failure categories
What goes wrong?
The most common MOT failure reasons are emissions levels exceed default limits, the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements, an obligatory rear fog lamp missing and or a front or rear fog lamp inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning. The top issue, emissions levels exceed default limits, caused 58 failures in 2024. If you need repairs before retesting, sites like BookMyGarage let you compare local prices.
| emissions levels exceed default limits | 58 |
| the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements | 38 |
| an obligatory rear fog lamp missing, or a front or rear fog lamp inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning | 22 |
| lambda coefficient outside the default limits or the range specified by the manufacturer | 20 |
| emissions levels exceed the manufacturer's specified limits | 17 |
| the strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired | 12 |
| a headlamp or light source missing, inoperative or more than ½ not functioning in the case of led | 11 |
| a suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn | 10 |
| emission control equipment fitted by the manufacturer missing, obviously modified or obviously defective | 10 |
| exhaust noise levels in excess of those permitted | 10 |
How serious are these failures?
Not all MOT failures are equal. Only 10.6% of Rx-7 failures are serious (safety or roadside), below the 44.4% average. When this car fails its MOT, it's more likely to be lights, wipers, or emissions than something dangerous. When it does fail, the average repair bill is around £108.
Mazda Rx-7 on UK roads
The fleet is shrinking: 49 scrapped or exported in the past year with only 14 newly registered, a net loss of 35. At this rate, roughly 83.9 years until none remain. Now at 54.7% of its peak (3,682 in 1994 Q4).
Quarterly breakdown
| Quarter | On road | SORN | New | Gone | Net |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Q3 | 502 | 1,511 | +4 | -2 | +2 |
| 2025 Q2 | 510 | 1,501 | +2 | -0 | +13 |
| 2025 Q1 | 434 | 1,564 | +3 | -14 | -11 |
| 2024 Q4 | 436 | 1,573 | +5 | -33 | -28 |
| 2024 Q3 | 492 | 1,545 | +4 | -11 | -7 |
| 2024 Q2 | 488 | 1,556 | +4 | -0 | +43 |
| 2024 Q1 | 413 | 1,588 | +3 | -37 | -34 |
| 2023 Q4 | 417 | 1,618 | +5 | -10 | -5 |
3 variants on the road
| Variant | Fuel | Licensed | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rx-7 | Petrol | 195 | 44% |
| Rx7 | Diesel | 168 | 38% |
| Rx7 2 | Petrol | 78 | 18% |
Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics, 2025 Q3. Crown copyright, OGL v3.0.
By registration year
| Year | Pass rate | Top failures |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 98.1% | an obligatory rear fog lamp missing, or a front or rear fog lamp inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning, the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements |
Typical mileage
Half of all Rx-7s tested had between 51,620 and 114,087 miles on the clock. A significant number are high-mileage vehicles.
At 72,331 median miles, the Rx-7 has 0.021 failures per 10,000 miles driven.
Other Mazda models
| Mazda 2 | 74.5% |
| Mazda 3 | 75.2% |
| Mazda MX-5 | 78.7% |
| Mazda 6 | 75.5% |
| Mazda CX-5 | 84.2% |
Common questions
What is the Mazda Rx-7 MOT pass rate?
The Mazda Rx-7 has a 84.7% MOT pass rate based on 1,191 real MOT tests. This is above the national average.
What are common MOT failures on a Mazda Rx-7?
The most common MOT failure on the Mazda Rx-7 is emissions levels exceed default limits, which caused 58 failures. Other common issues include the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements.
How many Mazda Rx-7s are on UK roads?
There are 502 Mazda Rx-7s currently licensed on UK roads, with 1,511 on SORN.
What is the typical mileage of a Mazda Rx-7 at MOT?
The median mileage at MOT for a Mazda Rx-7 is 72,331 miles. The middle 50% of vehicles tested have between 51,620 and 114,087 miles.
Buying a used Rx-7?
Start with the free tools. Look up the specific vehicle's MOT history on GOV.UK The mileage at each test will show if it's been wound back, and the advisory history tells you what's wearing. Cross-reference that against the typical failures above to see if anything looks unusual for this model.
The free data won't tell you about outstanding finance, theft markers, or write-off history. For that, you need a vehicle history check This is especially important on a private sale where you have fewer legal protections.
With a 84.7% pass rate and an average repair bill of £108 when things go wrong, budget accordingly.
Some links are to services we may earn from. Disclosure.
MOT data from DVSA anonymised test results, 2024 test year. Fleet data from DfT vehicle licensing statistics. Crown copyright, OGL v3.0. MOT pass rates are statistical summaries of test outcomes, not assessments of individual vehicle safety or condition. Always inspect a vehicle and check its full MOT history before purchasing. See terms of use.