Is the 2011 MAZDA 3 reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of MAZDA 3s from 2011 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 9,731 tests. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2011 MAZDA 3 cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £1,957 (£163/month), including £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2011 MAZDA 3?

The 2011 MAZDA 3 has a 75% MOT pass rate based on 9,731 tests in 2026. This ranks 437 out of 615 cars from 2011.

Which year MAZDA 3 is most reliable?

The 2022 MAZDA 3 has the highest MOT pass rate at 98%. The least reliable year is 2004 at 65%.

What is the average mileage for a 2011 MAZDA 3?

The average mileage for a 2011 MAZDA 3 is 95,384 miles, which is in line with the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

MAZDA 3 (2011)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 9,731 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,957

£163/month

MOT Pass Rate

75%

Average

Road Tax

£265

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 12-25

1598cc Petrol

Check Carefully

75% pass rate, £1957/year to run. 7 points below average.

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Petrol1598cc15 years old9,731 tests95k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1598cc)

~42 mpg

£1,137

Road Tax

Based on 1598cc

£265

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£1,957

Per month£163/mo

Per week£38/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

75% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MAZDA brand average of 81%.

At 15 years old, 75% of MAZDA 3s from 2011 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 9,731 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 95,384 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2011 cars437th of 615(top 71%)

Rank among MAZDA models302th of 483(top 63%)

vs national average-7%(82% avg)

vs 2011 cars average-2%(77% avg)

vs MAZDA average-6%(81% avg)

Mileage Analysis

95,384

Average miles

111,000

Expected for age

The average 2011 MAZDA 3 has 95,384 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 111,000 miles for a 15-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 98% MOT pass rate, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2011 sits between the two at 75%.

MAZDA 3 by Year

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

Similar Cars to Consider

VAUXHALL CORSA

2012 · 1398cc Petrol

£1,722/year

76%

+1%

FORD FOCUS

2013 · 1596cc Petrol

£1,827/year

78%

+3%

NISSAN QASHQAI

2013 · 1600cc Petrol

£1,827/year

72%

-3%

VOLKSWAGEN POLO

2011 · 1198cc Petrol

£1,540/year

75%

same

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About the 2011 MAZDA 3

The 2011 MAZDA 3 is a small family car with a 1598cc petrol engine. 9,731 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2011, the average MOT pass rate is 77%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 95,384 miles at 15 years old, MAZDA 3 owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2011 MAZDA 3 Fuel Costs

The 1598cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2011 MAZDA 3?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,957 (£163/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

MAZDA 3 Reliability Trend

Newer MAZDA 3s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 16 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2011 MAZDA 3

At 15 years old, the MAZDA 3 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 98%. With 9,731 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2011 MAZDA 3's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Medium risk

With an average of 95k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2011 MAZDA 3 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
MAZDA 3(2011)	75%	£1137	£265	Grp 12-25	£1957
VAUXHALL CORSA(2012)	76%	£1137	£30	Grp 8-20	£1722-£235
FORD FOCUS(2013)	78%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£130
NISSAN QASHQAI(2013)	72%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£130
VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2011)	75%	£955	£30	Grp 5-15	£1540-£417

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.