2012 Mazda 3 · 17,030 MOT tests
2012 Mazda 3 reliability
2012 Mazda 3s fail 31.7% of first MOT tests, 5% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 18 3 years (17,030 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 2012 Mazda 3?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all Mazda 3s: 31.9%)
- 31.7%
- first-time fail rate (all Mazda 3s: 31.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 5% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 81,578
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 17,030
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: 6% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does better)
- 2013 cars: 7% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- Weak spot: tyres, 7.9% of tests fail here (14% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 51% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2012 car carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Common problems
What fails on a 2012 Mazda 3
Fail rate by area
- Suspension12.8%
- Lights and electrics11.1%
- Tyres7.9%
- Brakes5.8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.2%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2.6%
- Body, chassis and structure1.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 5.86%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Position lamp not working 4.13%
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 2.92%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 2.44%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 1.95%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint worn 1.93%
A worn linkage ball joint can rattle, affect handling and eventually fail, so it should be replaced.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (17.97%) · Brake pads wearing thin (9.71%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (8.85%) · Linkage ball joint slight play (8.67%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (8.13%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (8.08%)
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 2012 Mazda 3 reliable?
2012 Mazda 3s fail 31.7% of first MOT tests, 5% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 18 3 years (17,030 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 Mazda 3 MOT?
Most often suspension ball joint excessively worn (5.86% of tests), position lamp not working (4.13% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.92% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 Mazda 3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 Mazda 3 shows 81,578 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2012 car?
A car first registered in 2012 carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Check a 2012 Mazda 3 free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.