2018 Mazda CX-3: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2018 Mazda CX-3?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2018 Mazda CX-3 than on all cars registered in 2018.

• Rigid brake pipes4.2× usual
  Mazda CX-3

  2.1% All 2018 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.1% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  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.

Common 2018 Mazda CX-3 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2018 Mazda CX-3 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  27% 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
  22% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  6% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Lights and electrics
  4% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Suspension
  3% 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
  2% of testsRough price £80–£250

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

Known faults on the 2018 Mazda CX-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.

• Air con problems

  All engines

  Many owners have had air con faults, and dealers replaced systems under warranty.

  At the viewing: Make sure it blows properly cold.

  Source: Auto Express: used Mazda CX-3 (Mk1, 2015-2020) problems and recalls

• Particulate filter (diesel)

  Diesel

  Low-mileage diesels can have problems if the particulate filter can’t finish cleaning itself.

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

  Source: Auto Express: used Mazda CX-3 (Mk1, 2015-2020) problems and recalls

• Boot strut and brake hose recalls

  Some cars

  Recalls covered boot gas struts that could fail (2017) and a brake hose clip on cars built in May 2016.

  At the viewing: Check the boot stays up on its own, and ask for proof of recall work.

  Source: Auto Express: used Mazda CX-3 (Mk1, 2015-2020) problems and recalls

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2018 Mazda CX-3

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

1. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 4.2× as often on the 2018 Mazda CX-3 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?