Used buying checklist
Mazda Cx 3 reliability, common problems and used buying checks
A used Mazda Cx 3 looks better than average for reliability in UK MOT data: 9.2% of 27,457 tests failed, compared with 18.7% across all indexed models. A good example should have a clean MOT history for windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, corrosion and structure, and tyres and wheels.
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, corrosion and structure, and tyres and wheels.
Start with windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, corrosion and structure, and tyres and wheels, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Sources used: DVSA MOT tests (Apr 2026); vehicle recalls (Apr 2026); MOT fault wording (May 2025). MOT data does not capture every reliability issue, especially intermittent engine, gearbox or infotainment faults that do not appear during the test.
- 9.2% MOT failure rate
- Median tested mileage 34,294 miles
- 2,522 failed MOT tests analysed
Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors is the clearest area to check
Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors is the clearest named problem area in this model's MOT history (6.0 MOT notes per 100 tests). Example MOT phrases from this area include does not clear the windscreen effectively, items removed from drivers view prior to test, and of an obligatory external mirror significantly affected by an obstruction.
Example MOT phrases to search in the car's history:
- does not clear the windscreen effectively
- Items removed from drivers view prior to test
- of an obligatory external mirror significantly affected by an obstruction
- damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view
- excessively corroded
- corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened
- ferrule excessively corroded
- corroded and seriously weakened
- Nail in tyre
- on a single line braking system has inadequate effort at a wheel
Focus on windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, corrosion and structure, and tyres and wheels
The model's recorded failure rate is 9.2%, -9.5 percentage points compared with the average across all models. Use the seller questions below to check whether repeat MOT notes have actually been repaired.
- MOT tests analysed27,457 tests
- Median tested mileage34,294 miles
- Failed MOT tests2,522
Should you buy a used Mazda Cx 3?
90.8% of the MOT tests we analysed for this model passed. The model's recorded failure rate is 9.2%, -9.5 percentage points compared with the average across all models. This is a buying brief for the exact car in front of you: clean repeat history matters more than badge reputation.
- Repeat unresolved MOT notes for windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, corrosion and structure, and tyres and wheels
- windscreen, wipers, and mirrors appearing across more than one MOT
- Any dangerous MOT failure on the exact car, especially if the same area appears again later
- No paperwork showing applicable recall work has been completed
- A seller who cannot explain MOT wording such as "does not clear the windscreen effectively"
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, corrosion and structure, and tyres and wheels.
Start with windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, corrosion and structure, and tyres and wheels, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (6.0 MOT notes per 100 tests). These counts are issue notes, not failure rates, because a single MOT can list several faults.
Past 100k miles on the Mazda Cx 3, MOT records most often point to windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, lights and electrical, and corrosion and structure.
The MOT failure rate rises from 10.0% at 0-3 years to 13.4% at 6-10 years. Compare the car with the nearest age range before treating a fault as normal wear or a warning sign. The average MOT failure rate across all models in the same dataset is 18.7%.
Start with windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, corrosion and structure, tyres and wheels, and lights and electrical. The checklist on this page explains why each area is being recommended, what to inspect, and what to ask the seller.
5 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
What should I check first?
Start with windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, corrosion and structure, tyres and wheels, and lights and electrical. The checklist on this page explains why each area is being recommended, what to inspect, and what to ask the seller. Each item shows whether it comes from MOT results, recall notices, or a standard used-car check.
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Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors Seen in MOT results
Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (6.0 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check windscreen damage, wiper operation, washers, mirrors, and demisting.
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Corrosion and structure Seen in MOT results
Corrosion and structure is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (5.5 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Inspect sills, subframes, mounting points, arches, and underside corrosion advisories.
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Tyres and wheels Seen in MOT results
Tyres and wheels is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (2.0 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check tyre age, tread depth, sidewall damage, wheel condition, and alignment wear.
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Lights and electrical Seen in MOT results
Lights and electrical is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (2.0 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check every lamp, warning light, horn, battery condition, and dashboard messages.
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Suspension and steering Seen in MOT results
Suspension and steering is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (2.0 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Listen for knocks, check uneven tyre wear, and inspect steering play.
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Emissions, engine, and exhaust Seen in MOT results
Emissions, engine, and exhaust is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (0.6 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check warning lights, smoke, exhaust leaks, recent emissions failures, and service history.
What changes with mileage?
Past 100k miles on the Mazda Cx 3, MOT records most often point to windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, lights and electrical, and corrosion and structure.
Common MOT problem areas
Common faults: what usually fails on this model?
Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (6.0 MOT notes per 100 tests). These counts are issue notes, not failure rates, because a single MOT can list several faults.
Recall-related areas to verify
Official recall areas
Manufacturer recall notices for the Mazda Cx 3 mainly involve 4 areas: emissions, engine, and exhaust, brakes, corrosion and structure, and lights and electrical. Treat each as something to verify on the specific car you are viewing; the recall table below shows the official notice text.
Mileage and age checks
Mileage changes: what starts showing up after high mileage?
Past 100k miles on the Mazda Cx 3, MOT records most often point to windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, lights and electrical, and corrosion and structure. On lower-mileage cars, the most common named areas are windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, corrosion and structure, and tyres and wheels.
| Mileage range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-50k | 20,957 | 18,882 | 7.6%-3.2 percentage points vs all models | 29,113 miles |
| 50-100k | 6,159 | 5,128 | 14.3%-6.4 percentage points vs all models | 61,319 miles |
| 100-150k | 242 | 196 | 17.8%-8.4 percentage points vs all models | 108,722 miles |
| 150-200k | 10 | 9 | 10.0%-17.3 percentage points vs all models | 167,938 miles |
| 200k+ | 1 | 1 | 0.0%-26.6 percentage points vs all models | 202,417 miles |
Problem areas by mileage
Past 100k miles on the Mazda Cx 3, MOT records most often point to windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, lights and electrical, and corrosion and structure.
| Mileage range | Car areas most often recorded | Specific MOT defect examples |
|---|---|---|
| 0-50k |
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| 50-100k |
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| 100-150k |
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| 150-200k |
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Fair comparisons: is this problem normal for its age?
The MOT failure rate rises from 10.0% at 0-3 years to 13.4% at 6-10 years. Compare the car with the nearest age range before treating a fault as normal wear or a warning sign. The average MOT failure rate across all models in the same dataset is 18.7%. The highest failure rate by age is 13.4% for 6-10 years cars, based on 10,379 tests.
| Age range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-3 years 2023–2026 reg. |
10 | 9 | 10.0%+1.6 percentage points vs all models | 3.0 years |
| 3-6 years 2020–2023 reg. |
17,068 | 15,428 | 6.7%-3.9 percentage points vs all models | 4.8 years |
| 6-10 years 2016–2020 reg. |
10,379 | 8,753 | 13.4%-3.3 percentage points vs all models | 7.0 years |
Recall records and data freshness
Recall context: are there safety notices to know about?
5 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
| 2022-01-04 | LOW PRESSURE FUEL PUMP IMPELLER MIGHT BECOME DEFORMED The impeller in the low-pressure fuel pump may become deformed causing fuel pump failure. Replace the low-pressure fuel pump with an improved part. |
|---|---|
| 2018-09-17 | CONTROL LOGIC WHICH MONITORS THE CHARGING CONTROL PROGRAM FAILS TO DIVERT ELECTRICAL POWER AWAY FROM CAPACITOR IN THE EVENT OF A FAULT On the subject vehicles the control logic which monitors the charging control program fails to divert the electrical power away from the capacitor when a fault is detected within the capacitor circuit. This can cause a short circuit inside the DCDC converter and could cause the engine to stall or overheating of the DCDC converter itself which could cause a fire. The fault is accompanied by the �i-ELOOP� warning light being illuminated on the instrument cluster along with the �i-Stop� warning light flashing The engine may in some circumstances stall and fail to restart. In extreme cases the DCDC converter could overheat and cause a fire Reprogram the PCM with the correct control logic. If error code �U3000: 49-DCDC� is stored � the DCDC Converter must also be replaced. |
| 2018-04-02 | SOFTWARE ERROR CAN CAUSE ENGINE TO FAIL On the subject vehicles the engine protection logic does not work properly. When the engine speed reaches maximum with no engine load present � the software is unable to cut the engine. This could in extreme cases cause catastrophic engine failure. Immediate and catastrophic engine damage may result. Re-program the engine protection software within the PCM. |
| 2017-07-14 | BRAKE HOSE RETAINING CLIP MAY FAIL. Surface finishing of brake hose retaining clip may be insufficient causing possibility of corrosion and failure of clip. Replace brake hose clips with modified ones |
| 2017-05-31 | TAILGATE MAY DROP DOWN WITHOUT WARNING Water may penetrate the tailgate strut cylinder. This may cause corrosion which may affect the strut's attachment. Replace both tailgate struts on affected vehicles |
Related searches
Common ways people look up the Mazda Cx 3. Each link runs the search and lands on the relevant section of this report.
Related reliability guides
See where this model sits against other Mazda reports by MOT failure rate and common problem area.
Compare high-confidence model reports across all makes.
Use the fleet mileage baseline before checking this model's own mileage table.
Compare this model's age pattern with the wider MOT baseline.
Sources used: DVSA MOT tests (Apr 2026); vehicle recalls (Apr 2026); MOT fault wording (May 2025). These are patterns from many MOT tests and recall notices. They help you decide what to inspect and what to ask; they do not certify the condition of one specific car.