At a Glance
The Mazda Mazda3 has 15 identified common problems across 4 generations, with the Mk1 BK (2003-2009) being the most affected generation and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 1.5M MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Mazda Mazda3 common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Mazda Mazda3 generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Browse Mazda Mazda3 Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
Mk1 BK
Top issue: Spark ignition emissions above threshold
Mk2 BL
Top issue: Reversing lamp not working
Mk3 BM
Top issue: Suspension linkage fault
Mk4 BP
Most common MOT failure: Tyre condition
Most Common Mazda Mazda3 MOT Failures
Every reason Mazda Mazda3 vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 15.35% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 8.87% |
| 3 | Tyre condition | 7.49% |
| 4 | Number plate lamp not working | 6.15% |
| 5 | Brake pads or linings worn | 5.77% |
| 6 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 5.43% |
| 7 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 5.06% |
| 8 | Position lamp not working | 4.71% |
| 9 | Stop lamp not working | 3.70% |
| 10 | Front lamp not working | 3.60% |
| 11 | Windscreen washer not working | 3.02% |
| 12 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 2.98% |
| 13 | Brake performance below minimum | 2.78% |
| 14 | Headlamp fault | 2.62% |
| 15 | Ball joint dust cover split | 2.24% |
| 16 | Headlamp aim defect | 1.91% |
| 17 | Exhaust system fault | 1.51% |
| 18 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.44% |
| 19 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.16% |
| 20 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.09% |
| 21 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.89% |
| 22 | Driveshaft fault | 0.82% |
| 23 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.67% |
| 24 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.61% |
| 25 | Airbag warning light on | 0.58% |
| 26 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.44% |
| 27 | Track rod end worn | 0.44% |
| 28 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.42% |
| 29 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.37% |
| 30 | ABS fault | 0.36% |
| 31 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.34% |
| 32 | Indicator fault | 0.34% |
| 33 | Chassis condition | 0.34% |
| 34 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.31% |
| 35 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.30% |
| 36 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.29% |
| 37 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.28% |
| 38 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.26% |
| 39 | Seat belt condition | 0.25% |
| 40 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.25% |
| 41 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.23% |
| 42 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.23% |
| 43 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 0.22% |
| 44 | Brake lever fault | 0.21% |
| 45 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.19% |
| 46 | Parking brake condition | 0.19% |
| 47 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.19% |
| 48 | Rear lamp not working | 0.18% |
| 49 | Front suspension fault | 0.18% |
| 50 | Brake caliper fault | 0.18% |
| 51 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.16% |
| 52 | Fog lamp not working | 0.14% |
| 53 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.14% |
| 54 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.13% |
| 55 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.13% |
| 56 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.13% |
| 57 | Engine oil leak | 0.12% |
| 58 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.10% |
| 59 | Steering rack fault | 0.10% |
| 60 | Horn not working | 0.08% |
| 61 | Brake pedal fault | 0.08% |
| 62 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.07% |
| 63 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.06% |
| 64 | Brake fluid leak | 0.06% |
| 65 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.06% |
| 66 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.05% |
| 67 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.05% |
| 68 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.05% |
| 69 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.04% |
| 70 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.04% |
| 71 | Rear suspension fault | 0.04% |
| 72 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.03% |
| 73 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.03% |
| 74 | Driver airbag fault | 0.03% |
| 75 | Steering lock fault | 0.03% |
| 76 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.03% |
| 77 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.03% |
| 78 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.02% |
| 79 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.02% |
| 80 | Driver seat fault | 0.02% |
| 81 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.02% |
| 82 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.02% |
| 83 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.02% |
| 84 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 85 | Electrical switch fault | 0.02% |
| 86 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.01% |
| 87 | Body security fault | 0.01% |
| 88 | Suspension unit fault | 0.01% |
| 89 | Front passenger door fault | 0.01% |
| 90 | Propshaft fault | 0.01% |
| 91 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.01% |
| 92 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | 0.01% |
| 93 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.01% |
| 94 | Towbar fault | 0.01% |
| 95 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.01% |
| 96 | Driver door fault | 0.01% |
| 97 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.01% |
| 98 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 99 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 100 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 101 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 102 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 103 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 104 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 105 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 106 | Drag link end worn | <0.01% |
| 107 | Passenger seat fault | <0.01% |
| 108 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 109 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 110 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 111 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Steering arm worn | <0.01% |
| 113 | Steering operation fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 116 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 117 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Steering column fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 120 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Spring mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 123 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 124 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 127 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 128 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 132 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 133 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 134 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | <0.01% |
| 135 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 137 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Steering free play excessive | <0.01% |
| 140 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 146 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 149 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 151 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 152 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 153 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 155 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 157 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 158 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 159 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 160 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 161 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 162 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 163 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 164 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 165 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 166 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 167 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | <0.01% |
| 168 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 169 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 170 | Air brake cylinder or actuator fault | <0.01% |
| 171 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 172 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 173 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 174 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 175 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | <0.01% |
| 176 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 177 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 178 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 179 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 180 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 181 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
Showing all 181 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Mazda Mazda3 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Mazda Mazda3, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Mazda Mazda3 problems?
Based on analysis of 1.5M Mazda Mazda3 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 15 identified common problems across 4 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Spark ignition emissions above threshold". Suspension is the most common problem category.
Which Mazda Mazda3 generation has the most problems?
The Mazda Mazda3 Mk1 BK (2003-2009) (2003–2009) has the highest number of identified common problems (10). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Mazda Mazda3?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Mazda Mazda3 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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