MAZDA 3 (2021)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 6,556 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
94%
Total Tests (2024)
6,556
Avg Mileage
23,403 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,037
Is the 2021 MAZDA 3 reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 12 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the MAZDA brand average of 81%.
At 3 years old, 94% of MAZDA 3s from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 6,556 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 23,403 miles.
How does the 2021 MAZDA 3 compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2021 MAZDA 3 has 23,403 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Best year to buy a MAZDA 3?
The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 98% MOT pass rate, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2021 sits between the two at 94%.
How much does a 2021 MAZDA 3 cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
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 |
Checking a specific MAZDA 3?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2021 MAZDA 3
The 2021 MAZDA 3 is a large car with a 2500cc petrol engine. 6,556 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2021, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 23,403 miles at 3 years old, MAZDA 3 owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2021 MAZDA 3 Fuel Costs
The 2500cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2021 MAZDA 3?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,037 (£170/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 94% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
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 2021 MAZDA 3
At 3 years old, this is still relatively fresh. You may find examples with remaining manufacturer warranty. Depreciation is slowing but hasn't bottomed out yet. If you're flexible on year, the 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 98%. With 6,556 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2021 MAZDA 3
The MAZDA 3 is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol large cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLVO XC40 (2020) 93% pass rate (-1%) from 36,064 tests
- BMW 5 SERIES (2019) 92% pass rate (-2%) from 33,766 tests
- BMW X3 (2019) 92% pass rate (-2%) from 32,937 tests
- FORD RANGER (2021) 90% pass rate (-4%) from 32,078 tests