Mazda 3 reliability
MOT pass rates & common faults · 151,769 real DVSA tests · 2024
Across 151,769 real DVSA MOT tests in 2024, 73% of Mazda 3 cars aged 8 to 12 years pass their MOT first time — in line with the 73% average for cars of that age. The faults that come up more than usual are in suspension and brakes.
MOT pass rate by age
Where the 3 tends to fail
Share of Mazda 3 cars aged 8 to 12 years with no fault in each area (higher is better). The tick is the fleet average for the same age.
Fails more often than average on suspension, brakes. Holds up better than average on body & structure, steering, seat belts.
Common questions
Is the Mazda 3 reliable?
On 2024 MOT data the Mazda 3 is about average for its age: 73% of examples aged 8 to 12 years pass first time, against a 73% fleet average. Give suspension and brakes a close look on any one you view.
What is the MOT pass rate for a Mazda 3?
First-time MOT pass rates for the Mazda 3 in 2024: up to 3 years, 91%; 4 to 7 years, 84%; 8 to 12 years, 73%; and 13 years and older, 54%. Pass rates fall with age across the whole fleet, so compare each figure with cars of the same age, not with a new car.
What commonly fails on a Mazda 3 MOT?
For Mazda 3 cars aged 13 years and older, the areas that fail an MOT more often than the fleet average are suspension (15.7% of tests vs 10.4% fleet), lights & electrics (16.4% of tests vs 12.5% fleet), emissions & leaks (5.6% of tests vs 3.8% fleet).