2016 Mazda CX-5 2.2L Diesel · OV66 LOA

The CX-5 presents a largely unremarkable roadworthiness profile dominated by a single but mechanically significant event: on 17 November 2025 the vehicle failed its MOT with four Major defects, all concerning missing road wheel fixings on both front and both rear wheels. This is a serious and uncommon finding, indicating that the wheel bolts or nuts were either not refitted after a previous repair or were lost in service. The very next day, 18 November 2025, the same vehicle returned and passed with no defects recorded, demonstrating that the wheel fixings were reinstated and likely replaced. Earlier history shows one further failure on 9 December 2020 for a nearside rear service brake excessively binding, with a clean pass the day after. Between these two failures, the 2021 test recorded multiple advisories and one minor defect relating to the suspension, anti-roll bar, and brake components, while the 2022, 2023, and 2024 tests passed with only a single minor registration plate lamp issue in 2024. The overarching pattern is therefore one of occasional, isolated defects rather than systemic deterioration, with the 2025 wheel fixing failure being the most pressing item for a buyer to verify has been fully resolved with new components. At 128,129 miles on a 2016 vehicle, the CX-5 has covered an above-average annual mileage of roughly 12,800 miles per year, and this high rate of use is consistent with the component wear observed in the test record. The advisories flagged in 2021, including pitted nearside rear brake disc, worn suspension arm pins or bushes on both front sides, and a deteriorated anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover, are exactly the sort of wear items one would expect to encounter on a chassis approaching high mileage. The binding rear brake caliper that caused the 2020 failure likewise points to a seized or sticking slider mechanism, a common consequence of infrequent caliper servicing on a vehicle used heavily in mixed urban and motorway conditions. Importantly, no major corrosion, structural, steering, or exhaust issues have been recorded across any of the seven tests, suggesting the underside and structural elements have held up adequately to date, though the mileage suggests that proactive inspection of these areas is warranted. For a prospective buyer, the priority on inspection is to confirm that the wheel fixing issue from late 2025 has been properly addressed rather than merely cosmetically resolved. Inspect all four wheels for evidence of recent disturbance such as fresh scratches around the bolt holes, mismatched or new-looking bolts, or any sign that a wheel has been removed and refitted without correct torque procedure. Verify that a full set of replacement wheel fixings was fitted, as running with insufficient or incorrect bolts is a severe safety risk. On a test drive, listen carefully for any rotational noise, vibration through the steering wheel, or pulling to one side under braking, any of which could indicate residual issues from the wheel fitment. Also examine the wheels for any movement when the vehicle is jacked, as loose fixings can damage the hub and stud threads over time. The 2021 advisories warrant specific attention during a physical inspection and test drive. With the suspension arm pins or bushes previously noted as worn, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front end when traversing speed bumps or potholes, and check for vagueness in the steering on turn-in. The anti-roll bar linkage ball joint with the deteriorated dust cover should be inspected for any play by hand once the wheel is removed, as perished boots allow water and grit to enter the joint and accelerate wear. The nearside rear brake disc, previously recorded as pitted and scored, should be checked for excessive lipping at the outer edge, any judder through the brake pedal under firm application, or a pulling sensation indicating uneven disc wear. Finally, because the 2020 test recorded a binding rear brake caliper, confirm the rear wheel spins freely by hand when cold and that there is no signs of overheating such as bluing on the disc surface or a burning smell after driving. The registration plate lamp issue noted in 2024 should be a simple check, but ensuring all bulbs illuminate correctly confirms nothing has been left unaddressed since the most recent test.