Mazda 3 vs Mazda Cx-5 se-l: 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 Cx-5 se-l
90%
MOT pass rate · 983 vehicles
More reliable
Verdict: On MOT pass rate, the Mazda Cx-5 se-l is the more reliable of the two — 90% pass first time versus 78%. It's one signal among several; check the full breakdown below.
Head to head
| Measure | Mazda 3 | Mazda Cx-5 se-l |
|---|---|---|
| MOT pass rate | 78% | 90% ✓ |
| MOT failure rate | 22% | 10% ✓ |
| Faults & advisories per test | 2.0 | 1.2 ✓ |
| Dangerous-fault share | 3% ✓ | 5% |
| Average mileage | 90,915 mi | 37,410 mi |
| Sample size (vehicles) | 164,058 | 983 |
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 Cx-5 se-l
- Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))
- Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))
- Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))
- 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))
- Offside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))
Reliability FAQ
On MOT pass rate, the Mazda Cx-5 se-l is the more reliable of the two — 90% pass first time versus 78%. It's one signal among several; check the full breakdown below.
Full Mazda 3 report Full Mazda Cx-5 se-l 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.