2021 Mazda 3 · 1,289 MOT tests
2021 Mazda 3 reliability
2021 Mazda 3s fail 10.9% of first MOT tests, 3% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 18 3 years (1,289 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Mazda 3s: 31.9%)
- 10.9%
- first-time fail rate (all Mazda 3s: 31.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 3% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 3
- 24,137
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 3
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,289
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2021 against the years either side
- 2020 cars: 12% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2021 car does worse)
- Weak spot: tyres, 4.9% of tests fail here (19% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: windscreen, wipers and mirrors, 32% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2021 car carries a 70 plate (January–February 2021), or a 21 plate (March–August 2021), or a 71 plate (September–December 2021).
Common problems
What fails on a 2021 Mazda 3
Fail rate by area
- Tyres4.9%
- Lights and electrics2.5%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors2.1%
- Brakes1.2%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.9%
- Suspension0.3%
- Steering0.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Tyre bulge from structural failure 1.09%
A bulge means the tyre's structure has failed and it could burst suddenly, so it must be replaced at once.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.09%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 1.01%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Headlamp aim set too high 0.93%
Headlamps aimed too high can dazzle other drivers, and adjusting them is usually a quick job.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 0.62%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Tyre pressure monitoring system faulty 0.62%
A faulty tyre pressure monitor cannot warn about low tyre pressure, so check tyres manually and have the fault diagnosed.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (4.89%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (4.65%) · Brake pads wearing thin (4.03%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (3.18%) · Nail in tyre, monitor (1.01%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (0.93%)
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 2021 Mazda 3 reliable?
2021 Mazda 3s fail 10.9% of first MOT tests, 3% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 18 3 years (1,289 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2021 Mazda 3 MOT?
Most often tyre bulge from structural failure (1.09% of tests), tyre cut reaching ply or cords (1.09% of tests), windscreen washer fluid insufficient (1.01% of tests).
How many miles should a 2021 Mazda 3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 3, a typical 2021 Mazda 3 shows 24,137 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2021 car?
A car first registered in 2021 carries a 70 plate (January–February 2021), or a 21 plate (March–August 2021), or a 71 plate (September–December 2021).
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