2011 Mazda 3 · 18,680 MOT tests
2011 Mazda 3 reliability
2011 Mazda 3s fail 38.3% of first MOT tests, 6% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 10 of 18 3 years (18,680 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mazda 3s: 31.9%)
- 38.3%
- first-time fail rate (all Mazda 3s: 31.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 6% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 12
- 85,774
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 12
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 18,680
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2011 against the years either side
- 2010 cars: 3% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2011 car does worse)
- 2012 cars: 5% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2011 car does worse)
- Weak spot: suspension, 18.3% of tests fail here (37% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 62% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2011 car carries a 60 plate (January–February 2011), or a 11 plate (March–August 2011), or a 61 plate (September–December 2011).
Common problems
What fails on a 2011 Mazda 3
Fail rate by area
- Suspension18.3%
- Lights and electrics16%
- Tyres8%
- Brakes7.9%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.5%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks4.6%
- Body, chassis and structure2.1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 9.2%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Position lamp not working 6.75%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 3.1%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 2.53%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 2.26%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Registration plate lamp not working 2.24%
A dark number plate lamp makes the plate hard to read at night, which is illegal and must be fixed.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (17.44%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (9.76%) · Brake pads wearing thin (9.65%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (8.93%) · Linkage ball joint slight play (8.22%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (8.18%)
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 2011 Mazda 3 reliable?
2011 Mazda 3s fail 38.3% of first MOT tests, 6% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 10 of 18 3 years (18,680 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2011 Mazda 3 MOT?
Most often suspension ball joint excessively worn (9.2% of tests), position lamp not working (6.75% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (3.1% of tests).
How many miles should a 2011 Mazda 3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 12, a typical 2011 Mazda 3 shows 85,774 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2011 car?
A car first registered in 2011 carries a 60 plate (January–February 2011), or a 11 plate (March–August 2011), or a 61 plate (September–December 2011).
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