Mazda CX-3 reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Mazda CX-3 is a small suv. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 122 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 136 of 442, and 14.6% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is wipers (2.1% of tests).
Ranked 136 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 5 of 27 small SUVs
In 2024, 25,440 Mazda CX-3s aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 14.6% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Mazda CX-3 is 18% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
14.6%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
7,000
Typical age at test: 6 years
Mazda CX-3 MOT failure rate by age
Most common Mazda CX-3 MOT faults
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.1% of tests
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.8% of tests
- Condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.6% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.3% of tests
- Coil spring: fractured or broken1.2% of tests
- Condition: retracting mechanism defective0.9% of tests
What the Mazda CX-3 fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 4.6% | ▼ 17% less often |
| Brakes | 3.3% | About average |
| Visibility | 3.2% | About average |
| Suspension | 2.3% | ▼ 27% less often |
| Lights and electrics | 2.3% | ▼ 49% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 1.5% | ▲ 4.1× as often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 0.4% | ▼ 71% less often |
| Body and structure | 0.2% | ▼ 82% less often |
| Wheels | 0.1% | ▼ 57% less often |
| Steering | 0.1% | ▼ 90% less often |
What MPG does the Mazda CX-3 do?
Official economy for the Mazda CX-3 ranges from 34.9 to 70.6mpg across the 40 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2017–2021). A typical petrol version manages 42.8mpg and a typical diesel 54.3mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Mazda CX-3?
Any Mazda CX-3 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Mazda CX-3 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £225 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carMazda CX-3 specs and running costs
Official figures for 40 versions sold in the UK between 2017 and 2021.
Fuel types
Diesel, Petrol
Official economy
34.9–70.6 mpg
CO2
105–181 g/km
Power
115–150 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX-3 115ps 2WD Sport Nav+115 PS · M6 · listed 2021 | Diesel | 54.3 mpg | 138g | £200 |
| CX-3 121ps 2WD GT Sport Nav+121 PS · M6 · listed 2021 | Petrol | 42.8 mpg | 149g | £200 |
| CX-3 121ps 2WD GT Sport Nav+ Auto / Red Nappa (09/18)121 PS · M6 · listed 2021 | Petrol | 42.8 mpg | 149g | £200 |
| CX-3 121ps 2WD SE Nav+121 PS · M6 · listed 2021 | Petrol | 42.8 mpg | 149g | £200 |
| CX-3 121ps 2WD SE-L Nav+121 PS · M6 · listed 2021 | Petrol | 42.8 mpg | 149g | £200 |
| CX-3 121ps 2WD SE-L Nav+ Auto121 PS · A6 · listed 2021 | Petrol | 39.2 mpg | 161g | £200 |
| CX-3 121ps 2WD Sport Nav+121 PS · M6 · listed 2021 | Petrol | 42.8 mpg | 149g | £200 |
| CX-3 121ps 2WD Sport Nav+ / Safety Pack121 PS · M6 · listed 2021 | Petrol | 42.8 mpg | 149g | £200 |
| CX-3 121ps 2WD Sport Nav+ / Stone Leather / Safety Pack121 PS · M6 · listed 2021 | Petrol | 42.8 mpg | 149g | £200 |
| CX-3 121ps 2WD Sport Nav+ Auto121 PS · A6 · listed 2021 | Petrol | 39.2 mpg | 161g | £200 |
| CX-3 121ps 2WD Sport Nav+ Auto / Safety Pack121 PS · A6 · listed 2021 | Petrol | 39.2 mpg | 161g | £200 |
| CX-3 121ps 2WD Sport Nav+ Auto / Stone Leather / Safety Pack121 PS · A6 · listed 2021 | Petrol | 39.2 mpg | 161g | £200 |
| CX-3 2.0 150ps AWD Sport Nav+ (05/18)150 PS · M6 · listed 2021 | Petrol | 38.2 mpg | 166g | £200 |
| CX-3 2.0 150ps AWD Sport Nav+ / Safety Pack (05/18)150 PS · M6 · listed 2021 | Petrol | 38.2 mpg | 166g | £200 |
| CX-3 2.0 150ps AWD Sport Nav+ / Stone Leather / Safety Pack (05/18)150 PS · M6 · listed 2021 | Petrol | 38.2 mpg | 166g | £200 |
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. Showing the 15 most recent of 40 versions.
What a Mazda CX-3 costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 42.8mpg…
- diesel, typical official 54.3mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Mazda CX-3Buying a used Mazda CX-3?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the Mazda CX-3 with other small SUVs
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other Mazda models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Mazda CX-3 reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the Mazda CX-3 is 18% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 122 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Mazda CX-3?
The most common MOT fault is “Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively”, found in 2.1% of tests. It fails on seat belts and airbags more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the Mazda CX-3 do?
Official economy for the Mazda CX-3 ranges from 34.9 to 70.6mpg across the 40 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2017–2021). A typical petrol version manages 42.8mpg and a typical diesel 54.3mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Mazda CX-3?
Any Mazda CX-3 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Mazda CX-3 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £225 a year.
›How many Mazda CX-3s fail their MOT?
14.6% of Mazda CX-3s aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Mazda CX-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.