Used car guide

2023 Mazda 3: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2023 Mazda 3s, from 139 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 139 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

139MOT tests in 2025
93%pass first time (all 2023 cars: 92%)
7,500typical miles a year
17%had tyres flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2023 Mazda 3 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    17% 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.

  • Brakes
    6% 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 electrics
    2% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Seats and seatbelts
    1% of testsRough price £80–£250

    At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

  • Suspension
    1% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    1% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Known faults

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

  • DPF and emissions faults (diesel)
    Diesel

    Diesels have had particulate filter warnings and emissions system problems.

    At the viewing: Watch for warning lights.

    Source: What Car?: used Mazda 3 (2019 on) reliability

  • Minor electrical faults
    Petrol

    Petrol cars have occasional minor faults with the infotainment screen and sensor warnings. Make sure the latest infotainment update is fitted.

    At the viewing: Use the screen and check for warnings.

    Source: What Car?: used Mazda 3 (2019 on) reliability

Looking at a Mazda 3?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20222,569Tyres 24%
20214,089Tyres 25%
20204,323Tyres 28%
20194,461Tyres 30%
20187,048Tyres 31%
20178,198Brakes 34%
201610,503Brakes 34%
201511,663Brakes 35%
20148,180Suspension 35%
20135,008Suspension 45%
20124,696Suspension 52%
20115,081Suspension 53%
20107,577Suspension 56%
20096,643Suspension 57%
20085,313Suspension 63%
20074,171Suspension 63%
20062,935Suspension 62%
20051,965Suspension 62%
2004552Suspension 61%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2023 Mazda 3s registered in 2023. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score