2009 Mazda 3 · 27,250 MOT tests
2009 Mazda 3 reliability
2009 Mazda 3s fail 43.5% of first MOT tests, 8% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 11 of 18 3 years (27,250 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mazda 3s: 31.9%)
- 43.5%
- first-time fail rate (all Mazda 3s: 31.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 8% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 14
- 95,342
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 14
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 27,250
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2009 against the years either side
- 2008 cars: 16% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2009 car does better)
- 2010 cars: 3% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2009 car does worse)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 7.3% of tests fail here (40% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 61% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2009 car carries a 58 plate (January–February 2009), or a 09 plate (March–August 2009), or a 59 plate (September–December 2009).
Common problems
What fails on a 2009 Mazda 3
Fail rate by area
- Suspension21%
- Lights and electrics19.4%
- Brakes10.9%
- Tyres7.8%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks7.3%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.7%
- Body, chassis and structure4.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 8.33%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Position lamp not working 7.1%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 4.06%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Stop lamp not working 3.3%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 3.14%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 3.14%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (17.13%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (12.3%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (10.3%) · Brake pads wearing thin (9.3%) · Linkage ball joint slight play (8.33%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (8.29%)
Other years
Every Mazda 3 year
The full picture: Mazda 3 reliability. Before you pay for any Mazda 3, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2009 Mazda 3 reliable?
2009 Mazda 3s fail 43.5% of first MOT tests, 8% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 11 of 18 3 years (27,250 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2009 Mazda 3 MOT?
Most often suspension ball joint excessively worn (8.33% of tests), position lamp not working (7.1% of tests), engine warning light inoperative or lit (4.06% of tests).
How many miles should a 2009 Mazda 3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 14, a typical 2009 Mazda 3 shows 95,342 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2009 car?
A car first registered in 2009 carries a 58 plate (January–February 2009), or a 09 plate (March–August 2009), or a 59 plate (September–December 2009).
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