Know Your MOT

MOT failure rate and common problems for the Mz 500, and how to check your own car by registration.

Updated 05 September 2026.

16.0%fail rate

Mz 500 MOT failure rate

What a Mz 500 fails its MOT on, and the part that fixes each.

What it fails on, and why

Brakes33.3% of failures

Brake failures cover worn pads and discs, an imbalance between wheels, corroded or scored discs, or a binding caliper. Braking efficiency is measured on a rolling road, so a spongy or pulling brake shows up as a low reading.

Suspension8.3% of failures

Suspension failures usually mean a worn or snapped coil spring, a leaking shock absorber, or play in a lower arm ball joint or bush. The tester checks for corrosion, fractures and excessive movement. A broken front spring is one of the most common failures on higher-mileage cars and is a straightforward replacement.

Other8.3% of failures

This covers a range of smaller items, from a non-working horn to a warning light left on.

Exhaust & emissions8.3% of failures

Exhaust failures cover leaks, insecure mountings and emissions over the limit. A blowing exhaust, a failed lambda reading or a diesel that smokes beyond the limit will fail.

Steering8.3% of failures

Steering faults are typically worn track-rod ends or ball joints, play in the rack, or a split gaiter letting grease out and dirt in. Excessive free play at the wheel fails.

Tyres8.3% of failures

Tyres fail for tread below the 1.6mm legal limit across the central three-quarters, uneven or exposed-cord wear, or sidewall damage. The tester inspects all four; a single illegal tyre is a fail.

The parts that fix each

If your car has just failed, you have 10 working days to fix the items and get a free partial retest. Confirm the exact fitment against your registration or VIN before buying.

For the brakes failure: Mz 500 brake pads and discsShop Mz 500 brake pads and discs on AmazonaffiliateFind Mz 500 brake pads and discs on eBayaffiliate
For the suspension failure: Mz 500 suspension springs and shock absorbersShop Mz 500 suspension springs and shock absorbers on AmazonaffiliateFind Mz 500 suspension springs and shock absorbers on eBayaffiliate
For the exhaust & emissions failure: Mz 500 exhaustShop Mz 500 exhaust on AmazonaffiliateFind Mz 500 exhaust on eBayaffiliate
For the steering failure: Mz 500 steering track rod endsShop Mz 500 steering track rod ends on AmazonaffiliateFind Mz 500 steering track rod ends on eBayaffiliate
For the tyres failure: Mz 500 tyresShop Mz 500 tyres on AmazonaffiliateFind Mz 500 tyres on eBayaffiliate

Other models

Mz Baghira MOT failures16.5% failure rateMz Etz250 MOT failures11.7% failure rateMz Skorpion MOT failures15.4% failure rateFord Fiesta MOT failures27.1% failure rate

Questions and answers

What is the MOT failure rate of the Mz 500?

It fails 16.0% of its MOT tests across the DVSA record, from 75 tests.

What do these cars fail their MOT on most?

The most common failure area is brakes, at 33.3% of this model's failures.