Motoring Today

Mazda Mazda3 MOT reliability

Reliability from 7 Mazda Mazda3 cars with real DVSA MOT history — how often they pass first time, the most common failure reasons.

Reviewed by the Motoring Today Editorial team · methodology in our editorial standards.

How reliable is the Mazda Mazda3 at MOT?

Across 1 Mazda Mazda3 cars on Motoring Today, the average first-time MOT pass rate is 73%. 100% of stock currently holds a valid MOT, with a median of 1 months left on the certificate. The most common reasons these cars fail an MOT are brakes and suspension, from real DVSA test history.

Avg pass rate
73%
Valid MOT
1 / 1
Median MOT left
1 mo
Top failure
Brakes

This introduction to the Mazda Mazda3 MOT and reliability will appear on Motoring.Today. There are currently 3 Mazda3 models available on Motoring.Today, with prices starting from £7990 or a representative monthly payment of £182. All listings include an FCA-style finance quote, ULEZ status, and full MOT history.

73First-time MOT pass
Average pass rate
Stock with valid MOT
1 / 1
100% road-ready
Median MOT left
1 mo
Expiring < 2 mo
1
Plan for an MOT soon after purchase

Most common MOT failures on the Mazda Mazda3

Grouped reasons for MOT rejection across 7 Mazda Mazda3 cars with DVSA test history in our stock (10 recorded failure items, 4 of them dangerous).

Failure areaRecorded failuresShare of failures
Brakes550%
Suspension550%

Based on real DVSA MOT test records for cars currently listed. Individual condition varies — always check the specific car's MOT history and advisories on its listing.

MOT pass rate is the percentage of Mazda Mazda3 cars in our stock that passed their most recent MOT on the first attempt, based on DVSA history. A pass rate above 80% is generally strong for a car of this age.

If a car you're viewing is approaching its MOT expiry, factor in the cost of any advisories — these are listed on each vehicle detail page.

Frequently asked questions

How many used Mazda Mazda3 cars are currently for sale and what's the cheapest price?
There are 3 used Mazda Mazda3 cars currently for sale on Motoring Today. The cheapest cash price is £7,990, or from £182 per month on finance (representative example, finance subject to status).
What should I check before buying a used Mazda Mazda3?
Without specific MOT failure data, it's always wise to check general wear items like tyres, brakes, lights, and suspension components, as these are common failure points for any used vehicle.
Is the Mazda Mazda3 reliable?
MOT pass rates reflect a vehicle's condition at the time of testing, not its overall lifetime reliability. Failures often increase with a car's age and can be influenced by maintenance and how it's been driven.
What are the most common MOT failures on the Mazda Mazda3?
Across 7 Mazda Mazda3 cars on Motoring Today with DVSA MOT history, the most common reasons for MOT failure are brakes and suspension (brakes account for 50% of recorded failures).