Mazda 3 vs Mazda 626lxi: reliability comparison
MOT pass rates, common faults and mileage compared from real UK MOT data.
Mazda 3
78%
MOT pass rate · 164,058 vehicles
Mazda 626lxi
67%
MOT pass rate · 2 vehicles
Verdict: On MOT pass rate the Mazda 3 (78%) and Mazda 626lxi (67%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Head to head
| Measure | Mazda 3 | Mazda 626lxi |
|---|---|---|
| MOT pass rate | 78% ✓ | 67% |
| MOT failure rate | 22% ✓ | 33% |
| Faults & advisories per test | 2.0 | 1.7 ✓ |
| Dangerous-fault share | 3% | 0% ✓ |
| Average mileage | 90,915 mi | 61,823 mi |
| Sample size (vehicles) | 164,058 | 2 |
Most common faults
Mazda 3
- Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
- Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
- Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))
- Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))
Mazda 626lxi
- Brake hydraulic reservoir fluid level below minimum level (3.6.G.1b)
- Exhaust has part of the system slightly deteriorated (7.1.1a)
- Front Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)
- Nearside Front Front position lamp(s) flickers when tapped lightly by hand (1.1.4c)
- Offside Front Front constant velocity joint gaiter split (2.5.C.1a)
Reliability FAQ
On MOT pass rate the Mazda 3 (78%) and Mazda 626lxi (67%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Full Mazda 3 report Full Mazda 626lxi report Most reliable cars
Pass rates are computed over completed (pass/fail) MOT tests. Reliability also depends on age, mileage and upkeep — see each model's page for the full picture.