Used car guide

2023 Mazda 3: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Mazda 3 first registered in 2023: we looked at the 135 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 135 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

135MOTs of 2023 cars, done in 2023–2025
94%pass first time (all 2023 cars: 92%)
7,600typical miles a year
16%had tyres flagged

Common 2023 Mazda 3 MOT failures and advisories

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
    16% 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
    7% 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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

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

Known faults on the 2023 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.

  • 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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2023 Mazda 3

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

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

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

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2026–Too new for MOT data
2025–Too new for MOT data
2024–Too new for MOT data
20222,706Tyres 23%
20218,118Tyres 24%
202012,770Tyres 23%
201913,139Tyres 28%
201820,829Brakes 30%
201724,435Brakes 33%
201631,505Brakes 33%
201535,050Brakes 34%
201424,941Brakes 34%
201315,251Suspension 39%
201214,682Suspension 47%
201116,029Suspension 49%
201024,548Suspension 52%
200922,244Suspension 55%
200818,433Suspension 60%
200715,259Suspension 61%
200611,298Suspension 60%
20057,860Suspension 60%
20042,286Suspension 59%
2003–Too few tests

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