Mazda CX-3 years to avoid? MOT pass rate by year
No Mazda CX-3 year has an MOT pass rate clearly below the average for vehicles first used in the same year. Above it: 2016–2019. The other year can't be told apart from average.
- Below the average for their first-use yearNone
- Above the average for their first-use year2016–2019
- Can't be told apart from average2015
The MOT pass rate is one signal, not the whole story. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't record gearbox or engine faults, and a pass rate also reflects mileage and upkeep, so the table shows median mileage too. Whatever the year, the car in front of you matters more than its model's average.
First-time pass rate, all years together: initial tests passed with no repairs. 95% range 83.0% to 83.9%.
In 2025, 83.5% of the 25,275 initial MOT tests on Mazda CX-3 cars were passed with no repairs. The same-age average, for all vehicles first used in the same years, was 79.2%. That is 4.3 points above the same-age average.
Check a specific CX-3
Mazda CX-3 MOT pass rate by year
| Year | Chart | Testsmedian miles | Passed first time | Against all vehicles that year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019age 6 | 7,58035,500 | 87.9%±0.8 | +4.4 ptsall: 83.5% | |
| 2018age 7 | 5,64543,900 | 87.5%±0.9 | +6.6 ptsall: 80.9% | |
| 2017age 8 | 4,86251,300 | 83.9%±1.1 | +5.7 ptsall: 78.2% | |
| 2016age 9 | 4,86159,300 | 76.6%±1.3 | +1.7 ptsall: 74.9% | |
| 2015age 10 | 2,32764,300 | 72.7%±1.9 | +0.8 ptsall: 71.9% |
Tests are initial MOT tests in 2025, not retests. Median miles is the middle odometer reading at the test: half had more, half had less. ± is the 95% margin of error in points (Wilson interval): a difference smaller than that could be chance. Years without a link have fewer than 10,000 tests, so they are listed here but don't have their own page.
When a car's mileage doesn't add upDoes mileage matter?
89.4% of Mazda CX-3 tests under 30,000 miles passed first time, against 71.1% at 90,000 to 119,999 miles. For all vehicles of the same age and mileage, the figures are 88.3% and 70.3%.
| Miles at the test | Tests | Passed first time | Against all vehicles, same age and mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 30,000 | 5,056 | 89.4%±0.9 | +1.1 ptsall: 88.3% |
| 30,000–59,999 | 12,908 | 85.1%±0.7 | +3.7 ptsall: 81.4% |
| 60,000–89,999 | 5,852 | 78.0%±1.1 | +3.3 ptsall: 74.7% |
| 90,000–119,999 | 1,246 | 71.1%±2.6 | +0.8 ptsall: 70.3% |
Against all vehicles of the same age and mileage, CX-3 tests were above average under 90,000 miles and about average at 90,000 to 119,999 miles.
Mileage is only one factor. How a car has been driven and looked after matters too. These figures show an association across all Mazda CX-3 tests in 2025, not what mileage does to a particular car.
Mileage is the odometer reading at the initial test. Each band is compared with all vehicles first used in the same year with a reading in the same band, weighted by this model's own tests in each year. Bands need at least 1,000 tests. Not shown, with fewer than 1,000 tests: 120,000 or more. 1 test (under 0.1%) had no usable odometer reading and is left out. How we count
Common CX-3 problems at the MOT
MOT records show roadworthiness faults, not engine or gearbox problems. Each year page compares that year's failure areas with all vehicles first used in the same year.
What to check when viewing a CX-3
Tyres
- Check the tread on every tyre. The legal minimum for cars is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread.
- Look for cuts, bulges, and wear on only the inner or outer edge, which can point to an alignment problem.
- Check that the spare wheel or the tyre repair kit is there.
Brakes
- On a clear road, brake firmly. The car should stop in a straight line without juddering or pulling to one side.
- Check the handbrake holds the car on a slope.
- Look through the wheels at the brake discs for deep grooves or a raised lip at the edge.
Suspension
- Push down hard on each corner. The car should rise once and settle, not keep bouncing.
- On the test drive, listen for knocks or clunks over speed bumps and potholes.
- The car should sit level when parked on flat ground.
Windscreen, wipers, mirrors
- Look for chips and cracks in the windscreen, especially in front of the driver.
- Run the wipers and washers. The blades should clear the screen without smearing.
- Check both door mirrors and the rear-view mirror are intact and adjust.
Then read the car's own MOT history. Advisories in the same area at several tests are worth asking about.
Check a CX-3's MOT historyAfter an MOT advisory
Tyres
Of Mazda CX-3 cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a tyre advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 6.8% failed on tyres, against 3.5% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 3,999 and 13,139 cars.
Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 7.3% of those with a tyre advisory and 7.2% of the others.
Brakes
Of Mazda CX-3 cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a brake advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 6.5% failed on brakes, against 2.7% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 3,329 and 13,808 cars.
Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 8.3% of those with a brake advisory and 6.9% of the others.
Similar cars are the same model, first-use year and mileage band. Areas are the DVSA's top-level groups, so the later fail may not be the fault that was advised. These figures describe what happened to these cars. They don't show what a repair would have changed.
How we worked this outAll models compared, with the dataMazda CX-3 questions
Which Mazda CX-3 years have lower MOT pass rates?
Compared with all vehicles first used in the same year, no model year is clearly below average. Above average: 2016–2019. The rest can't be told apart from average. A pass rate is one signal: it also reflects mileage and upkeep, and doesn't record engine or gearbox faults.
Is the Mazda CX-3 reliable?
MOT results show only part of the picture. In 2025, 83.5% of initial MOT tests on Mazda CX-3 cars were passed with no repairs, against a same-age average of 79.2%. That is 4.3 points above average. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't measure breakdowns, engine or gearbox faults, or repair costs.
What are the most common Mazda CX-3 problems at the MOT?
The most common failure areas are tyres (in 26.5% of failed tests), brakes (in 22.2% of failed tests) and suspension (in 21.9% of failed tests). A failed test can count in more than one area.
What mileage is normal for a 10-year-old Mazda CX-3?
At their 2025 MOT tests, Mazda CX-3 cars first used in 2015, about 10 years old, had a median of 64,300 miles. Half had more and half had less.
How do I check a specific CX-3's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free check. It lists that car's own MOT results, the faults and advisories recorded and the mileage at each test, and flags repeated advisories and mileage that goes down.
Check a car's MOT history for freeWhat MOT data can't tell you about any Mazda CX-3
Outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and plate changes aren't in MOT records. For a particular car, you need a history check.
Compare history checksWhat MOT history doesn't showOther Mazda models
- Mazda 2−0.1 pts against the same-age average
- Mazda 3−1.3 pts against the same-age average
- Mazda MX-5+9.5 pts against the same-age average
- Mazda CX-5+1.6 pts against the same-age average
- Mazda 6−0.6 pts against the same-age average
- Mazda CX-30+4.1 pts against the same-age average
Points above (+) or below (−) the same-age average for all vehicles.
Cars ranked by MOT pass rate, by ageSource: DVSA anonymised MOT tests, 2025. For guidance only: these figures describe all Mazda CX-3 cars tested, not the one you're looking at. How we count