Kawasaki Z Reliability, MOT Pass Rate & Common Faults
Free Kawasaki Z car check
Is the Kawasaki Z reliable? We analysed 896 real MOT tests across 138 vehicles to find out.
Got a specific Kawasaki Z? Enter the reg for a free check:
The Kawasaki Z is above average for reliability based on real UK MOT data. Common problems include shock absorber seal failed and leaking oil, roller brake test indicates a binding brake and handlebar handgrip not secure to handlebars.. Here's everything you need to know before buying a used Kawasaki Z.
Kawasaki Z Number Plates
Number plates registered to a Kawasaki Z. Click on any registration for full vehicle details — including MOT history, mileage records, previous owners and damage history.
Kawasaki Z MOT Pass Rate by Year
How likely is a Kawasaki Z to pass its MOT? Here's the pass rate for each registration year, newest first.
Kawasaki Z Problems — What Goes Wrong?
The most common reasons a Kawasaki Z fails its MOT, ranked by how often they occur. Check for these problems before you buy.
Kawasaki Z Mileage — What's Normal?
How many miles does a typical Kawasaki Z owner drive per year? Use this to check if a car you're looking at has suspiciously low or high mileage.
Kawasaki Z MOT Data by Registration Year
Full breakdown of pass rate and mileage for each year. Use this to compare the Kawasaki Z year you're looking at.
| Year | Tests | Pass Rate | Low Mi. | Typical Mi. | High Mi. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 50 | 88.0% | 8,490 | 12,790 | 16,977 |
| 2005 | 63 | 90.5% | 11,981 | 14,707 | 17,084 |
| 1980 | 105 | 92.4% | 16,063 | 35,835 | 40,972 |
| 1979 | 59 | 78.0% | 14,033 | 23,194 | 39,951 |
How Long Does a Kawasaki Z Last?
Based on 138 Kawasaki Z vehicles on UK roads.
Kawasaki Z Mileage Distribution
Total mileage recorded across all Kawasaki Z MOT tests. If the car you're looking at is above the 75th percentile, it's done more miles than most.
Best Year to Buy a Used Kawasaki Z
Based on MOT pass rates across all registration years with sufficient test data.
92.4% MOT pass rate from 105 tests
78.0% MOT pass rate from 59 tests
The best year to buy a used Kawasaki Z is 1980, which has the highest MOT pass rate at 92.4% across 105 tests. The 1979 model year has the lowest pass rate at 78.0% — if you're looking at one from that year, budget for potential repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
How Does the Kawasaki Z Compare?
MOT pass rates compared to similar models. Click any model for the full breakdown.
| Model | Pass Rate | Tests | Typical Mileage | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kawasaki Z THIS CAR | 85.7% | 896 | 24,176 mi | 47 yrs |
| Kawasaki ZX-6R | 81.7% | 204,826 | 19,965 mi | 31 yrs |
| Kawasaki ZX-9R | 83.7% | 103,150 | 22,736 mi | 32 yrs |
| Kawasaki ER5 | 81.2% | 65,763 | 22,023 mi | 30 yrs |
| BMW 330E Xdrive SE Pro Auto | 85.4% | 377 | 48,213 mi | — yrs |
Compared to the Kawasaki ZX-6R (81.7% pass rate) and the Kawasaki ZX-9R (83.7% pass rate), the Kawasaki Z outperforms both on MOT reliability.
Found a Kawasaki Z you like?
Run a full vehicle history check on the specific car. See finance, stolen, write-off, mileage and MOT data for that exact vehicle.
Check a specific Kawasaki ZShould you buy a used Kawasaki Z?
The Kawasaki Z has an overall MOT pass rate of 85.7% across 896 real MOT tests — comfortably above the UK average, which puts it among the more reliable models on UK roads.
The most common problems on the Kawasaki Z are shock absorber seal failed and leaking oil (7 recorded failures), roller brake test indicates a binding brake (5), and handlebar handgrip not secure to handlebars. (5). These are the faults most likely to cause an MOT failure on this model, so check for them carefully on any test drive or pre-purchase inspection. Many are wear-and-tear items that can be budgeted for, but a car that's already failing on multiple fronts may signal neglected maintenance.
A typical Kawasaki Z owner drives around 501 miles per year. If the car you're looking at is significantly above this, expect more wear on suspension, brakes and tyres. If it's well below, the vehicle may have been sitting unused — check for perished rubber, corroded discs and stale fluids.
In terms of longevity, most Kawasaki Z models stay on UK roads for around 47 years — a strong showing that suggests solid build quality and readily available parts. If you're buying one that's already approaching that window, the data suggests it has plenty of life left provided it's been maintained.
Before committing to a purchase, we recommend running a full vehicle history check on the specific car. This will reveal any outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies that the seller may not disclose — and that the MOT data alone can't tell you.