The picture

Rx-7: above-average pass rates, with caveats

Across 686 MOT tests, the Rx-7 returns 83.2% first-time pass — above the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is lambda coefficient outside the default limits. A torn suspension dust cover and a lamp out round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 77,119, which is the lens to read those failure rankings through. If you own one and the next test is close, the ranked list below is a sensible pre-test checklist.

ABI Insurance Group

Group 12–30

Around the UK fleet average for insurance cost. Lower groups cost less to insure; UK fleet average is around Group 22.

Source: ABI Group Rating Panel · administered by Thatcham Research · groups cover standard variants; performance trims may sit higher. Browse all insurance groups →

12–30

out of 50

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Top ten reasons for rejection.

Filter failures:

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01

Lambda coefficient outside the default limits or the range specified by the manufacturer

21 occurrences · 1.5% of tests
02

The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements

20 occurrences · 1.5% of tests
03

A battery insecure but not likely to fall from carrier

17 occurrences · 1.3% of tests
04

Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view

15 occurrences · 1.1% of tests
05

Emissions levels exceed default limits

14 occurrences · 1.0% of tests
06

Emissions levels exceed default limits

13 occurrences · 1.0% of tests
07

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 occurrences · 0.9% of tests
08

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

12 occurrences · 0.9% of tests
09

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

11 occurrences · 0.8% of tests
10

Emissions levels exceed default limits

10 occurrences · 0.7% of tests

Counts cover Major and Dangerous defects logged at test. Advisory items excluded so this shows why a car was rejected, not just what the tester flagged in passing.

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Tools that pre-empt a retest.

Picked against this car's top failure patterns. Affiliate links to Amazon UK — we earn a small cut at no cost to you. Disclosed up-front, doesn't shape the data.

Item 01 · Amazon UK

Headlight restoration kit

Yellowed lenses fail the light-output test. A restoration kit lifts the haze in an afternoon for £20.

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Parts & supplies for this fix

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Draper

Draper Drain Plug Key, 3/8 Square x 3/8 Sq. Dr.

£15.39

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Hycote

Hycote Mazda Silver Stone Double Acrylic Spray Paint 150ml

£6.59

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Autotek

Autotek Mazda Arctic White 300ml

£14.29

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Autotek

Autotek Mazda Brilliant Black 300ml

£14.29

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Buying or keeping an RX 7?

Use the failure ranking as a pre-test checklist or a haggling lever. Treat the headline pass rate as a fleet-wide trend, not a guarantee on any individual car.

If you own an RX 7 and your last MOT looked nothing like the ranked failures above, that's normal — individual cars vary widely. The ranking shows the patterns testers flag most often across the country.