Mazda 3 reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Mazda 3 is a family hatchback. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 96 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 285 of 442, and 31.7% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is ball joint (4.7% of tests).
Ranked 285 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 20 of 30 family hatchbacks
In 2024, 107,067 Mazda 3s aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 31.7% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Mazda 3 is 4% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage. At the first MOT, at three years old, 11.1% failed (UK 12.7%).
First-time fail rate
31.7%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
11.1%
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
7,400
Typical age at test: 10 years
Mazda 3 MOT failure rate by age
Most common Mazda 3 MOT faults
- Ball joint: ball joint excessively worn4.7% of tests
- Position lamp: not working4.1% of tests
- Coil spring: fractured or broken4.1% of tests
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick3.3% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.6% of tests
- Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.5% of tests
What the Mazda 3 fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 14.2% | ▲ 1.4× as often |
| Lights and electrics | 11.0% | About average |
| Brakes | 7.6% | About average |
| Tyres | 6.9% | About average |
| Visibility | 4.3% | About average |
| Exhaust and emissions | 3.5% | About average |
| Body and structure | 2.2% | ▼ 42% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.8% | ▼ 23% less often |
| Steering | 0.8% | ▼ 65% less often |
| Wheels | 0.4% | About average |
What MPG does the Mazda 3 do?
Official economy for the Mazda 3 ranges from 44.8 to 56.5mpg across the 66 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2023–2024). A typical petrol version manages 50.4mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Mazda 3?
Any Mazda 3 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates).
Work out tax for a specific carMazda 3 specs and running costs
Official figures for 66 versions sold in the UK between 2023 and 2024.
Fuel types
Petrol
Official economy
44.8–56.5 mpg
CO2
114–141 g/km
Power
90–186 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax | Company car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 2.0 122ps Prime-Line / Black Cloth (04/23)90 PS · M6 · listed 2024 | Petrol | 51.4 mpg | 124g | £200 | 30% |
| 3 2.0 122ps Centre-Line / Black Cloth (04/23)90 PS · M6 · listed 2024 | Petrol | 51.4 mpg | 124g | £200 | 30% |
| 3 2.0 122ps Homura / Black Cloth (04/23)90 PS · M6 · listed 2024 | Petrol | 50.4 mpg | 127g | £200 | 31% |
| 3 2.0 122ps Exclusive-Line / Black Cloth (04/23)90 PS · M6 · listed 2024 | Petrol | 50.4 mpg | 127g | £200 | 31% |
| 3 2.0 122ps Takumi / Black Leather (04/23)90 PS · M6 · listed 2024 | Petrol | 50.4 mpg | 127g | £200 | 31% |
| 3 2.0 122ps Centre-Line Auto / Black Cloth (04/23)90 PS · A6 · listed 2024 | Petrol | 46.3 mpg | 138g | £200 | 33% |
| 3 2.0 122ps Homura Auto / Black Cloth (04/23)90 PS · A6 · listed 2024 | Petrol | 45.6 mpg | 140g | £200 | 34% |
| 3 2.0 122ps Exclusive-Line Auto / Black Cloth (04/23)90 PS · A6 · listed 2024 | Petrol | 45.6 mpg | 140g | £200 | 34% |
| 3 2.0 122ps Takumi Auto / Black Leather (04/23)90 PS · A6 · listed 2024 | Petrol | 45.6 mpg | 141g | £200 | 34% |
| 3 2.5 140ps Prime-Line / Dark Grey Cloth (06/24)103 PS · 6MT · listed 2024 | Petrol | 47.9 mpg | 133g | £200 | 32% |
| 3 2.5 140ps Centre-Line / Dark Grey Cloth (06/24)103 PS · 6MT · listed 2024 | Petrol | 47.9 mpg | 133g | £200 | 32% |
| 3 2.5 140ps Homura / Black Cloth Red Stitch (06/24)103 PS · 6MT · listed 2024 | Petrol | 47.1 mpg | 135g | £200 | 33% |
| 3 2.5 140ps Exclusive-Line / Dark Grey Cloth (06/24)103 PS · 6MT · listed 2024 | Petrol | 47.1 mpg | 135g | £200 | 33% |
| 3 2.5 140ps Takumi / Black Leather (06/24)103 PS · 6MT · listed 2024 | Petrol | 47.1 mpg | 135g | £200 | 33% |
| 3 2.5 140ps Homura Auto / Black Cloth Red Stitch (06/24)103 PS · 6AT · listed 2024 | Petrol | 44.8 mpg | 141g | £200 | 34% |
Economy and CO2 are official WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Company car tax is the 2026/27 benefit-in-kind rate. Showing the 15 most recent of 66 versions.
What a Mazda 3 costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 50.4mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Mazda 3Buying a used Mazda 3?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the Mazda 3 with other family hatchbacks
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other Mazda models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Mazda 3 reliable?
Its MOT record is worse than average: the Mazda 3 is 4% more likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 96 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Mazda 3?
The most common MOT fault is “Ball joint: ball joint excessively worn”, found in 4.7% of tests. It fails on suspension more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the Mazda 3 do?
Official economy for the Mazda 3 ranges from 44.8 to 56.5mpg across the 66 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2023–2024). A typical petrol version manages 50.4mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Mazda 3?
Any Mazda 3 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates).
›How many Mazda 3s fail their MOT?
31.7% of Mazda 3s aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024, and 11.1% failed at their first MOT.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Mazda 3 combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.