2010 Mazda 3 · 29,131 MOT tests
2010 Mazda 3 reliability
2010 Mazda 3s fail 40% of first MOT tests, 3% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 8 of 18 3 years (29,131 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mazda 3s: 31.9%)
- 40%
- first-time fail rate (all Mazda 3s: 31.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 3% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 13
- 93,130
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 13
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 29,131
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2010 against the years either side
- 2009 cars: 8% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2010 car does better)
- 2011 cars: 6% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2010 car does better)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 6.6% of tests fail here (44% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 65% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2010 car carries a 59 plate (January–February 2010), or a 10 plate (March–August 2010), or a 60 plate (September–December 2010).
Common problems
What fails on a 2010 Mazda 3
Fail rate by area
- Suspension17.9%
- Lights and electrics17%
- Brakes9.9%
- Tyres7.7%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks6.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.4%
- Body, chassis and structure2.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 8.76%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Position lamp not working 6.32%
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 3.61%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Stop lamp not working 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 2.98%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 2.94%
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 (17.26%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (10.78%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (9.88%) · Brake pads wearing thin (9.55%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (8.15%) · Linkage ball joint slight play (7.75%)
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 2010 Mazda 3 reliable?
2010 Mazda 3s fail 40% of first MOT tests, 3% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 8 of 18 3 years (29,131 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2010 Mazda 3 MOT?
Most often suspension ball joint excessively worn (8.76% of tests), position lamp not working (6.32% of tests), engine warning light inoperative or lit (3.61% of tests).
How many miles should a 2010 Mazda 3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 13, a typical 2010 Mazda 3 shows 93,130 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2010 car?
A car first registered in 2010 carries a 59 plate (January–February 2010), or a 10 plate (March–August 2010), or a 60 plate (September–December 2010).
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