Used car guide
2016 Mazda 3: petrol or diesel?
Petrol, diesel and hybrid versions go wrong in different ways, so each has its own figures from the MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Pick the one you’re looking at: the fuel is on the logbook and in the car’s MOT history.
Petrol
75% pass first time (all 2016 cars: 77%)
Stands out: rigid brake pipes 8.1×, coil springs 3.2×, brake pads 1.6×
25,483 MOTsSee the petrol guide ›
Diesel
72% pass first time (all 2016 cars: 77%)
Stands out: rigid brake pipes 8.5×, coil springs 2.8×, braking performance 1.9×
6,022 MOTsSee the diesel guide ›
Hybrid versions had too few MOTs for figures of their own, or weren’t sold.
Known faults on every 2016 Mazda 3
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.
- All engines
Infotainment glitches
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.
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
Every year of the Mazda 3 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 135 | Tyres 16% |
| 2022 | 2,706 | Tyres 23% |
| 2021 | 8,118 | Tyres 24% |
| 2020 | 12,770 | Tyres 23% |
| 2019 | 13,139 | Tyres 28% |
| 2018 | 20,829 | Brakes 30% |
| 2017 | 24,435 | Brakes 33% |
| 2015 | 35,050 | Brakes 34% |
| 2014 | 24,941 | Brakes 34% |
| 2013 | 15,251 | Suspension 39% |
| 2012 | 14,682 | Suspension 47% |
| 2011 | 16,029 | Suspension 49% |
| 2010 | 24,548 | Suspension 52% |
| 2009 | 22,244 | Suspension 55% |
| 2008 | 18,433 | Suspension 60% |
| 2007 | 15,259 | Suspension 61% |
| 2006 | 11,298 | Suspension 60% |
| 2005 | 7,860 | Suspension 60% |
| 2004 | 2,286 | Suspension 59% |
| 2003 | – | Too few tests |