Mazda 3

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 19 model years from 188,962 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

80%

Total Tests

188,962

Highest Pass Rate

2020 (94%)

Years Covered

About the Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 was MOT tested 188,962 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 19 model years (2004 to 2022), with an average pass rate of 80%. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list petrol and diesel versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 94% from 6,787 tests. The 2004 model has the lowest at 65%. With a 29 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer Mazda 3s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 15 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (2004) averages 98,523 miles, while the newest (2022) averages 21,571 miles.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1596cc)

£1,398

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£200

Total per year£1,853

Per month£154/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2022 details

How reliable is the Mazda 3?

vs average of all models-2% (82% avg)

vs Mazda brand average-1% (81% avg)

Best to worst year spread29 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

Mazda 3 by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2022	98%	243	21,571 mi
2021	94%	6,556	23,403 mi
2020	94%	6,787	28,046 mi
2019	92%	7,145	34,301 mi
2018	88%	11,205	42,804 mi
2017	83%	13,489	51,801 mi
2016	82%	17,936	61,550 mi
2015	81%	19,839	70,981 mi
2014	80%	14,280	76,594 mi
2013	80%	8,703	81,092 mi
2012	79%	8,608	91,364 mi
2011	75%	9,731	95,384 mi
2010	74%	15,144	101,714 mi
2009	72%	14,024	101,557 mi
2008	70%	11,826	101,647 mi
2007	69%	9,747	106,801 mi
2006	68%	7,178	107,923 mi
2005	67%	5,007	107,158 mi
2004	65%	1,514	98,523 mi

Questions about the Mazda 3

Is the Mazda 3 reliable?

Across its 19 model years in our data (2004 to 2022), the Mazda 3 averages an 80% MOT pass rate, from 188,962 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2020 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 94%.

Which year Mazda 3 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Mazda 3 has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 65%, a 29 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.