Mazda 3 common problems and MOT failures

What usually goes wrong with a Mazda 3?

Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.

• Particulate filter additive and injectors (1.6 diesel)

  Cars registered 2009–2013 · 1.6 diesel

  The 1.6 diesel's particulate filter uses an Eolys additive that needs topping up, usually around 75,000 miles, and its injectors can fail, causing power loss and warning lights.

  At the viewing: Ask whether the additive has been topped up, and watch for warning lights.

  Source: What Car?: used Mazda 3 (2009-2013) reliability

• Blocked particulate filter (diesel)

  Cars registered 2014–2019 · Diesel

  The diesel’s particulate filter can clog on cars used only for short trips.

  At the viewing: Ask what journeys it does, and watch for a DPF warning light.

  Source: Auto Express: used Mazda 3 (Mk3, 2014-2019) review

• DPF and emissions faults (diesel)

  Cars registered 2020–2025 · 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

• DPF warning lights (diesel)

  Cars registered 2009–2013 · Diesel

  Particulate filter warning lights shouldn't be ignored, as they can mean costly repairs.

  At the viewing: Make sure no DPF warning shows.

  Source: What Car?: used Mazda 3 (2009-2013) reliability

• Engine software fault (built June to Oct 2019)

  Cars registered in 2020 · Built 2019

  Some cars built 14 June to 1 October 2019 may not run correctly because of an air-fuel ratio software fault. A dealer update fixes it.

  At the viewing: Ask a Mazda dealer whether the update was done.

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

• Infotainment glitches

  Cars registered 2014–2019 · All engines

  There are some reports of glitches and lag with the infotainment and sat nav.

  At the viewing: Try the screen, sat nav and phone connection.

  Source: Auto Express: used Mazda 3 (Mk3, 2014-2019) review

• Minor electrical faults

  Cars registered 2020–2025 · 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

Common Mazda 3 MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.

• Sub-frame

  up to 4.2× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Suspension arm

  up to 5.5× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At 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 joints

  up to 5.5× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Headlights

  up to 2.1× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2013.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Ball joint

  up to 3.5× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Rigid brake pipes

  up to 10.8× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

Mazda 3 MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2019 Mazda 3 did best (89% passed first time, 4 points above all 2019 cars) and the 2005 did worst (48%, 9 points below all 2005 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a Mazda 3

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Has the DPF additive been topped up, and have the injectors been replaced?
2. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 4.2× as often on the Mazda 3 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 5.5× as often on the Mazda 3 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 5.5× as often on the Mazda 3 as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?