2020 Mazda 3 · 7,453 MOT tests
2020 Mazda 3 reliability
2020 Mazda 3s fail 10.3% of first MOT tests, 12% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 18 3 years (7,453 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mazda 3s: 31.9%)
- 10.3%
- first-time fail rate (all Mazda 3s: 31.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 12% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 3
- 24,813
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 3
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 7,453
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2020 against the years either side
- 2019 cars: 11% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2020 car does better)
- 2021 cars: 3% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2020 car does better)
- Strong point: brakes, 40% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2020 car carries a 69 plate (January–February 2020), or a 20 plate (March–August 2020), or a 70 plate (September–December 2020).
Common problems
What fails on a 2020 Mazda 3
Fail rate by area
- Tyres4.1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.1%
- Lights and electrics1.7%
- Brakes1.1%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.7%
- Suspension0.4%
- Wheels0.2%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 1.34%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Tyre bulge from structural failure 1.17%
A bulge means the tyre's structure has failed and it could burst suddenly, so it must be replaced at once.
Headlamp aim set too high 0.93%
Headlamps aimed too high can dazzle other drivers, and adjusting them is usually a quick job.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 0.86%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 0.67%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 0.55%
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 (6.09%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (5.57%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (5.54%) · Brake pads wearing thin (5.15%) · Tyre has a shallow cut (1.6%) · Brake discs showing some wear (1.31%)
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 2020 Mazda 3 reliable?
2020 Mazda 3s fail 10.3% of first MOT tests, 12% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 18 3 years (7,453 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2020 Mazda 3 MOT?
Most often wiper blade not clearing windscreen (1.34% of tests), tyre bulge from structural failure (1.17% of tests), headlamp aim set too high (0.93% of tests).
How many miles should a 2020 Mazda 3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 3, a typical 2020 Mazda 3 shows 24,813 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2020 car?
A car first registered in 2020 carries a 69 plate (January–February 2020), or a 20 plate (March–August 2020), or a 70 plate (September–December 2020).
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