Skip to main content
GB
MOT
Checkup

Mazda CX-3 Common Problems, Faults & Repair Costs (2026)

Based on official DVSA MOT test data. View the most common MOT failure categories, pass rates, and estimated repair costs for the Mazda CX-3 (2015–present).

MOT Pass Rate

84.2%2.2% above national avg (82%)

Reliability rating: Good — based on approx. 18,000 tests

Dangerous Defects

1.30%

Moderate risk

Retest Rate

10.8%

of failed tests need a retest

Top MOT Failure Categories

1

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment

Est. repair: £40–£200

13.8%
2

Suspension

Est. repair: £120–£450

12.2%
3

Brakes

Est. repair: £100–£350

10.5%
4

Tyres

Est. repair: £50–£120 per tyre

9.5%
5

Exhaust, fuel and emissions

Est. repair: £40–£200

6.8%

Where Faults Occur

29.0%

Front

27.0%

Rear

19.0%

Offside

Mileage Benchmarks

At 3 years

18,000 mi

At 5 years

30,000 mi

At 10 years

N/A

Significantly higher or lower mileage than these benchmarks may indicate unusual usage patterns. Check the full MOT history for mileage consistency.

Is a Mazda CX-3 a Good Buy?

The Mazda CX-3 demonstrates above-average reliability based on MOT test data, with a 84.2% pass rate. This places it 2.2% above the national average, suggesting lower ongoing maintenance costs compared to many competitors.

While no car is without faults, lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues are the most common concern, affecting approximately 13.8% of failed tests. These tend to be relatively affordable to fix at £30–£150.

Mazda CX-3 MOT Check & History

View detailed MOT pass rates by year, mileage benchmarks, and full test history data for the Mazda CX-3.

View Mazda CX-3 MOT Data

Check a Specific Mazda CX-3

Enter a registration number to view the full MOT history for any Mazda CX-3.

GB

Other Mazda Models

Mazda CX-5

84.8%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Mazda 3

83.2%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Mazda 2

83.8%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Mazda MX-5

85.5%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Mazda 6

80.8%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Mazda CX-30

87.2%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

View all Mazda models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common MOT faults on a Mazda CX-3?
The top MOT failure on the Mazda CX-3 is Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, accounting for approximately 13.8% of all failures. Other common issues include suspension and brakes.
What is the Mazda CX-3 MOT pass rate?
The Mazda CX-3 has an estimated MOT pass rate of 84.2%, which is 2.2% above the national average of 82%. This rates the Mazda CX-3 as "Good" for MOT reliability.
Is the Mazda CX-3 reliable?
Based on DVSA MOT data, the Mazda CX-3 has a good reliability record with a 84.2% pass rate. It has a dangerous defect rate of 1.30% and a retest rate of 10.8%.
How much does it cost to fix common Mazda CX-3 MOT failures?
Typical repair costs for Mazda CX-3 MOT failures range from £30–£200 for lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues to £120–£450 for suspension problems. Prices are estimates based on typical UK independent garage rates.
What mileage should a Mazda CX-3 have?
Based on MOT test data, the average Mazda CX-3 covers approximately 18,000 mi by 3 years, 30,000 mi by 5 years, and N/A by 10 years. Significantly higher or lower mileage may warrant closer inspection.
Should I buy a used Mazda CX-3?
The Mazda CX-3 is generally a solid choice based on MOT data. Check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before purchasing, paying particular attention to lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues and mileage consistency.
Mazda CX-3 MOT DataAll Mazda ModelsAll Makes