MAZDA CX 3 Common Problems & Reliability

Based on 586 MOT tests from 75 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore. The figures below describe that VehicleScore sample. Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are not a claim that every MAZDA CX 3 has the same fault.

MAZDA CX 3's have a extremely good reliability rating of 769/999. The score was calculated from the average of every MAZDA CX 3 that has had a registered MOT.

We calculated all of the below figures by getting the score from each vehicle make/model/year/fuel, which are each calculated a score. We then generate the average score, taking into account factors such as mileage and emissions.

Also check BHP & performance, road tax, fuel economy, and CO2 emissions for the MAZDA CX 3.

MAZDA CX 3 (example)

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Fuel Type	Year	Reliability Score	Avg Mileage	Sample Size
N/A	N/A	815/999Excellent	77,955 miles	3,194 vehicles
N/A	N/A	774/999Very good	83,921 miles	2,505 vehicles
N/A	N/A	764/999Very good	70,215 miles	511 vehicles
N/A	N/A	724/999Very good	75,088 miles	561 vehicles

How reliable is the MAZDA CX 3?

Based on 586 MOT tests from 75 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore.

Vehicles

MOT tests

586

Pass rate

88.2%

Median mileage

59,328 mi

Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are inspection findings from this sample. They are not a statement that every MAZDA CX 3 has the same fault. The median VehicleScore in this sample is 816 out of 999.

Common MAZDA CX 3 MOT problems

These groups combine equivalent MOT comments, such as the same tyre note on different corners. Counts are comment occurrences in the sample, not a percentage of cars.

Tyre wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 155 advisory comments and 6 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record tyres that were worn, damaged, or close to the legal tread depth when the car was inspected.

What to inspect

Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE FRONT TYRE WORN CLOSE TO LEGAL LIMIT/WORN ON EDGE (5.2.3 (E))

Brake pad wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 39 advisory comments and 6 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record brake pads that were worn or below the inspection limit.

What to inspect

Ask for recent pad replacement and look at the remaining pad thickness.

Example MOT wording: FRONT BRAKE PAD(S) WEARING THIN (1.1.13 (A) (II))

Brake disc wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 31 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record brake discs that were worn, scored, pitted, or corroded.

What to inspect

Look at the disc faces for deep scoring, a lip at the edge, and corrosion.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE REAR BRAKE DISC WORN, PITTED OR SCORED, BUT NOT SERIOUSLY WEAKENED (1.1.14 (A) (II))

Coil spring issues

VehicleScore MOT data includes 5 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record coil springs that were corroded, fractured, or otherwise defective. They are counted separately from shock absorbers.

What to inspect

Look for a broken or heavily corroded spring and compare the ride height on both sides.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE FRONT COIL SPRING FRACTURED OR BROKEN (5.3.1 (B) (I))

Seatbelt faults

VehicleScore MOT data includes 5 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a seatbelt that did not latch, retract, or meet the inspection standard.

What to inspect

Buckle every belt and confirm it locks and releases.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTING MECHANISM DEFECTIVE (7.1.2 (E))

Engine warning lamp

VehicleScore MOT data includes 3 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record an engine warning lamp that was on, or did not work, during the inspection.

What to inspect

Switch on the ignition and confirm the lamp comes on and then goes out. Ask what was diagnosed if it stayed on.

Example MOT wording: ENGINE MIL INOPERATIVE OR INDICATES A MALFUNCTION (8.2.2.2 (G))

MAZDA CX 3 MOT reliability by year

A model year is only commented on when VehicleScore has at least 5 vehicles from that year.

Year	Vehicles	MOT tests	Pass rate	Recurring issues seen
2019	19	102	93.1%	Tyre wear, Brake disc wear
2018	15	101	91.1%	Tyre wear, Brake pad wear
2017	11	89	89.9%	Tyre wear, Brake pad wear
2016	22	211	84.4%	Tyre wear, Brake pad wear
2015	8	83	86.7%	Tyre wear, Brake pad wear

What to check when buying a used MAZDA CX 3

This is an inspection checklist based on MOT comments in the VehicleScore sample. It does not mean the car you are looking at has these defects.

Tyre wear. Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.
Brake pad wear. Ask for recent pad replacement and look at the remaining pad thickness.
Brake disc wear. Look at the disc faces for deep scoring, a lip at the edge, and corrosion.
Coil spring issues. Look for a broken or heavily corroded spring and compare the ride height on both sides.
Seatbelt faults. Buckle every belt and confirm it locks and releases.
Engine warning lamp. Switch on the ignition and confirm the lamp comes on and then goes out. Ask what was diagnosed if it stayed on.

Buying a MAZDA CX 3?

Common problems tell you what can affect MAZDA CX 3s generally. VehicleScore can check the history of the actual car you're considering.

Where does this data come from?

VehicleScore analyses MOT histories from vehicles in its own dataset. Sample sizes vary by model, and a small sample is labelled as such. MOT data records roadworthiness and inspection defects. It does not capture every mechanical or electronic problem a car can have, and a comment on one test is not proof that the model has an inherent fault.

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