Mazda 3 MOT Check
MOT pass rates, common failures, and reliability data for the Mazda 3. Check any 3 by registration number below.
Free, instant, no sign-up required.
71.4%
Avg Pass Rate
-11.9%
vs Mazda Avg
21
Year Ranges
Average
Reliability
Mazda 3 — MOT Reliability Overview
The Mazda 3 has an average MOT pass rate of 71.4%, which is 11.9 percentage points below the Mazda brand average of 83.3%. This is a reasonable result that reflects typical UK reliability standards. Regular servicing and addressing advisories promptly will help keep your 3 on the road.
The most common reasons a Mazda 3 fails its MOT are 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, a lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning, a spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened. If you are preparing your 3 for its MOT, checking these areas first could save you a retest fee. Our detailed fault analysis includes estimated repair costs for each failure type.
Typical mileage for the 3 is around 38,000 miles at 5 years. When evaluating a used 3, compare the odometer reading against these benchmarks. Significantly lower mileage than expected could indicate a clocked vehicle — run a free mileage check to verify.
Before buying a used Mazda 3, we recommend checking the full MOT history, write-off status, outstanding finance, and stolen vehicle status. These checks can be done for free using the registration number.
MOT Pass Rate by Year
How the Mazda 3 performs at MOT across different model years.
2022
Based on 241 vehicles
1.7%
1.7%
34k mi
2021
Based on 6,228 vehicles
2.6%
6.8%
37k mi
2020
Based on 10,523 vehicles
2.5%
6.3%
34k mi
51k mi
2019
Based on 10,894 vehicles
2.8%
9.3%
35k mi
55k mi
2018
Based on 16,874 vehicles
5.3%
14.0%
57k mi
2017
Based on 19,447 vehicles
6.1%
19.8%
70k mi
2016
Based on 25,341 vehicles
6.6%
22.0%
2015
Based on 28,034 vehicles
6.4%
22.5%
123k mi
2014
Based on 19,969 vehicles
7.2%
23.9%
120k mi
2013
Based on 12,193 vehicles
7.5%
25.1%
116k mi
2012
Based on 11,958 vehicles
7.8%
24.8%
131k mi
2011
Based on 12,952 vehicles
8.4%
31.8%
2010
Based on 20,171 vehicles
8.2%
31.5%
2009
Based on 18,676 vehicles
9.3%
33.2%
2008
Based on 15,655 vehicles
9.4%
34.8%
2007
Based on 13,215 vehicles
9.3%
32.9%
2006
Based on 9,982 vehicles
8.9%
31.0%
2005
Based on 7,060 vehicles
9.4%
30.1%
2004
Based on 2,124 vehicles
8.9%
30.9%
2003
Based on 28,000 vehicles
0.0%
0.1%
22k mi
38k mi
72k mi
0
Based on 136,846 vehicles
74k mi
Top MOT Failures — Mazda 3
The most common reasons a Mazda 3 fails its MOT, aggregated across all year ranges.
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
A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened
A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn
Engine MIL illuminated indicating a malfunction
Where Failures Occur
The areas of the vehicle most commonly flagged during MOT inspections.
Nearside
Offside
Front Offside
Typical Mileage — Mazda 3
Average mileage readings recorded at MOT tests for the 2003 model year range. Use these benchmarks to evaluate a used 3.
At 3 Years
22,000
miles
At 5 Years
38,000
miles
At 10 Years
72,000
miles
Other Mazda Models
Compare MOT reliability across Mazda models.
Mazda 3 — Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Mazda 3 MOT and reliability.
What is the MOT pass rate for the Mazda 3?
What are the most common MOT failures on a Mazda 3?
Is the Mazda 3 reliable?
How do I check the MOT history of a Mazda 3?
What mileage should I expect on a Mazda 3?
Check Your Mazda 3's MOT History
Enter the registration number for the full MOT history — free and instant.