2012 Mazda 3: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2012 Mazda 3s, from 4,696 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2012 Mazda 3s than on all cars registered in 2012.
- Sub-frame3.6× usualMazda 317.8% All 2012 cars5%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.3% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimateAt the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.
- Ball joint2.8× usualMazda 315.9% All 2012 cars5.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 9.4%, against 3% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Suspension arm4.8× usualMazda 312.6% All 2012 cars2.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0.2% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
- Anti-roll bar link joints3.9× usualMazda 312.4% All 2012 cars3.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 1.2% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Headlights1.9× usualMazda 38.7% All 2012 cars4.7%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 2.9% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £40–£400 our estimateAt the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.
Coil springs: 3.6% here, against 9.6% of all 2012 cars. Rigid brake pipes: 0.6% here, against 5.5% of all 2012 cars.
By area
The share of 2012 Mazda 3 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension52% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Tyres36% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Brakes29% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Lights and electrics28% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors9% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Oil and fluid leaks7% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2,569 | Tyres 24% |
| 2021 | 4,089 | Tyres 25% |
| 2020 | 4,323 | Tyres 28% |
| 2019 | 4,461 | Tyres 30% |
| 2018 | 7,048 | Tyres 31% |
| 2017 | 8,198 | Brakes 34% |
| 2016 | 10,503 | Brakes 34% |
| 2015 | 11,663 | Brakes 35% |
| 2014 | 8,180 | Brakes 35% |
| 2013 | 5,008 | Suspension 45% |
| 2011 | 5,081 | Suspension 53% |
| 2010 | 7,577 | Suspension 56% |
| 2009 | 6,643 | Suspension 57% |
| 2008 | 5,313 | Suspension 63% |
| 2007 | 4,171 | Suspension 63% |
| 2006 | 2,935 | Suspension 62% |
| 2005 | 1,965 | Suspension 62% |
| 2004 | 552 | Suspension 61% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2012 Mazda 3s registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score