At a Glance
The Mazda 323 has 11 identified common problems across 4 generations, with the BG (1989-1994) being the most affected generation and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 606K 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 323 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 323 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.
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Mazda 323 owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Mazda 323 owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
Looking for a garage to repair your Mazda 323?
Search our directory of 12,000+ UK garages by service and postcode — every garage has verified Google reviews.
Browse Mazda 323 Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
BF
Most common MOT failure: Suspension component mounting corroded
BG
Top issue: Suspension linkage condition
BA
Top issue: Number plate lamp not working
BJ
Top issue: Suspension linkage pins, bushes or ball joints worn
Most Common Mazda 323 MOT Failures
Every reason Mazda 323 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 | 10.45% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 7.72% |
| 3 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 6.67% |
| 4 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 6.31% |
| 5 | Brake performance below minimum | 6.08% |
| 6 | Suspension mounting corroded | 5.74% |
| 7 | Exhaust system fault | 4.46% |
| 8 | Number plate lamp not working | 4.10% |
| 9 | Front lamp not working | 4.07% |
| 10 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 4.05% |
| 11 | Driveshaft fault | 3.77% |
| 12 | Headlamp aim defect | 3.71% |
| 13 | Stop lamp not working | 3.41% |
| 14 | Tyre condition | 3.39% |
| 15 | Brake disc or drum worn | 2.45% |
| 16 | Brake pads or linings worn | 2.40% |
| 17 | Windscreen washer not working | 1.98% |
| 18 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.71% |
| 19 | Body corrosion or damage | 1.60% |
| 20 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 1.16% |
| 21 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.11% |
| 22 | Track rod end worn | 1.06% |
| 23 | Chassis condition | 1.01% |
| 24 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.89% |
| 25 | Parking brake condition | 0.75% |
| 26 | ABS fault | 0.66% |
| 27 | Indicator fault | 0.53% |
| 28 | Rear suspension fault | 0.51% |
| 29 | Fog lamp not working | 0.49% |
| 30 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.47% |
| 31 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.47% |
| 32 | Rear lamp not working | 0.43% |
| 33 | Seat belt condition | 0.40% |
| 34 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.36% |
| 35 | Front suspension fault | 0.34% |
| 36 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.30% |
| 37 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.30% |
| 38 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.26% |
| 39 | Position lamp not working | 0.25% |
| 40 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.23% |
| 41 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.23% |
| 42 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.20% |
| 43 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.17% |
| 44 | Airbag warning light on | 0.16% |
| 45 | CV joint worn | 0.16% |
| 46 | Brake caliper fault | 0.15% |
| 47 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.15% |
| 48 | Steering rack fault | 0.15% |
| 49 | Brake fluid leak | 0.15% |
| 50 | Horn not working | 0.15% |
| 51 | Headlamp fault | 0.13% |
| 52 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.13% |
| 53 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.12% |
| 54 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.12% |
| 55 | Brake pedal fault | 0.11% |
| 56 | Steering lock fault | 0.11% |
| 57 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.11% |
| 58 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.10% |
| 59 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.08% |
| 60 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.08% |
| 61 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.07% |
| 62 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.07% |
| 63 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.06% |
| 64 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.06% |
| 65 | Electrical switch fault | 0.05% |
| 66 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.05% |
| 67 | Brake lever fault | 0.05% |
| 68 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.05% |
| 69 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.05% |
| 70 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.04% |
| 71 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 72 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.04% |
| 73 | Suspension unit fault | 0.03% |
| 74 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.03% |
| 75 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.03% |
| 76 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 77 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.03% |
| 78 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.03% |
| 79 | Body security fault | 0.02% |
| 80 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.02% |
| 81 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.02% |
| 82 | Driver airbag fault | 0.02% |
| 83 | Steering operation fault | 0.02% |
| 84 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 85 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.01% |
| 86 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.01% |
| 87 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.01% |
| 88 | Engine oil leak | 0.01% |
| 89 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.01% |
| 90 | Drag link end worn | 0.01% |
| 91 | Steering arm worn | 0.01% |
| 92 | Radius arm worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 93 | Electrical wiring fault | <0.01% |
| 94 | Steering free play excessive | <0.01% |
| 95 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 96 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 97 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 98 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | <0.01% |
| 99 | Headlamp levelling device fault | <0.01% |
| 100 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 101 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 102 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | <0.01% |
| 103 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 104 | Front passenger door fault | <0.01% |
| 105 | Handbrake lever fault | <0.01% |
| 106 | Propshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 107 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 108 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 109 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 110 | Driver door fault | <0.01% |
| 111 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Passenger seat fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 114 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 117 | Bumper damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 118 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 119 | Driver seat fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 121 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 122 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 123 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 126 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 127 | Steering column fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 132 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 133 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 134 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 138 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Undertray damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 141 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 144 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
| 145 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 146 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 148 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 149 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 150 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 151 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 153 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 154 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 155 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 157 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 158 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 159 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 160 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 161 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 162 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 163 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 164 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 165 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 166 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 167 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 168 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 169 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 170 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 171 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 172 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 173 | Suspension air bellows damaged | <0.01% |
| 174 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
Showing all 174 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Mazda 323 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Mazda 323, 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.
Join as a car owner — free
Get MOT reminders, a pre-MOT checklist, and tools to compare garages near you.
MOT Reminders
Free email alerts 28 and 7 days before your MOT expires.
44-Point MOT Checklist
Printable checklist to inspect your car before the test.
Save Favourite Garages
Save garages you trust and compare their ratings side by side.
Already a member? Sign in
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Mazda 323 problems?
Based on analysis of 606K Mazda 323 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 11 identified common problems across 4 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Number plate lamp not working". Suspension is the most common problem category.
Which Mazda 323 generation has the most problems?
The Mazda 323 BG (1989-1994) (1989–1994) has the highest number of identified common problems (8). 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 323?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Mazda 323 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
Search Vehicles With Common Problems
Find common car problems, MOT failures, and advisories for any make and model
Popular makes with common problems
Popular models with common problems
Vauxhall Calibra
73 problems
Vauxhall Vivaro
69 problems
Citroen C15
80 problems
Vauxhall Movano
77 problems
Ford Maverick
69 problems
Peugeot 405
76 problems
Citroen Relay
80 problems
Mercedes-benz 208d
86 problems
Fiat Cinquecento
74 problems
Vauxhall Brava
82 problems
Mercedes-benz Vito
78 problems
Daihatsu Fourtrak
119 problems
