2016 Mazda 3 · 35,841 MOT tests
2016 Mazda 3 reliability
2016 Mazda 3s fail 23.9% of first MOT tests, 18% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 15 of 18 3 years (35,841 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mazda 3s: 31.9%)
- 23.9%
- first-time fail rate (all Mazda 3s: 31.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 18% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 7
- 51,534
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 7
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 35,841
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2016 against the years either side
- 2015 cars: 3% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2016 car does worse)
- 2017 cars: 25% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2016 car does better)
- Weak spot: suspension, 11% of tests fail here (147% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 52% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2016 car carries a 65 plate (January–February 2016), or a 16 plate (March–August 2016), or a 66 plate (September–December 2016).
Common problems
What fails on a 2016 Mazda 3
Fail rate by area
- Suspension11%
- Brakes7%
- Tyres5.2%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors2.9%
- Lights and electrics2.8%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.8%
- Number plates and VIN0.2%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 7.62%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 3.32%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 1.73%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.56%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 1.34%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.29%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (12.42%) · Brake pads wearing thin (11.57%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (9.39%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (8.28%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (7.04%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (2.7%)
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 2016 Mazda 3 reliable?
2016 Mazda 3s fail 23.9% of first MOT tests, 18% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 15 of 18 3 years (35,841 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2016 Mazda 3 MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (7.62% of tests), brake pads worn below 1.5mm (3.32% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (1.73% of tests).
How many miles should a 2016 Mazda 3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 7, a typical 2016 Mazda 3 shows 51,534 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2016 car?
A car first registered in 2016 carries a 65 plate (January–February 2016), or a 16 plate (March–August 2016), or a 66 plate (September–December 2016).
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