2018 Mazda 3 · 23,924 MOT tests
2018 Mazda 3 reliability
2018 Mazda 3s fail 14.8% of first MOT tests, 4% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 9 of 18 3 years (23,924 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mazda 3s: 31.9%)
- 14.8%
- first-time fail rate (all Mazda 3s: 31.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 4% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 4
- 33,187
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 4
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 23,924
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2018 against the years either side
- 2017 cars: 25% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2018 car does better)
- 2019 cars: 11% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2018 car does worse)
- Weak spot: suspension, 2.8% of tests fail here (71% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 49% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2018 car carries a 67 plate (January–February 2018), or a 18 plate (March–August 2018), or a 68 plate (September–December 2018).
Common problems
What fails on a 2018 Mazda 3
Fail rate by area
- Tyres4.7%
- Brakes4.2%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.5%
- Suspension2.8%
- Lights and electrics1.7%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.2%
- Seat belts and airbags0.2%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.59%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 2.55%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Coil spring fractured or broken 1.68%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.49%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 0.89%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Tyre tear from structural failure 0.64%
A tear in the tyre's structure means it can fail suddenly, so it must be replaced before the car is driven.
Common advisories
Brake pads wearing thin (13.15%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (10.77%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (10.58%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (8.82%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (2.73%) · Brake discs showing some wear (2.42%)
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 2018 Mazda 3 reliable?
2018 Mazda 3s fail 14.8% of first MOT tests, 4% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 9 of 18 3 years (23,924 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2018 Mazda 3 MOT?
Most often wiper blade not clearing windscreen (2.59% of tests), brake pads worn below 1.5mm (2.55% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (1.68% of tests).
How many miles should a 2018 Mazda 3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 4, a typical 2018 Mazda 3 shows 33,187 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2018 car?
A car first registered in 2018 carries a 67 plate (January–February 2018), or a 18 plate (March–August 2018), or a 68 plate (September–December 2018).
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