Mazda 3 vs Mazda Mx-3 1.8i abs: reliability comparison
MOT pass rates, common faults and mileage compared from real UK MOT data.
Mazda 3
78%
MOT pass rate · 164,058 vehicles
More reliable
Mazda Mx-3 1.8i abs
58%
MOT pass rate · 1,301 vehicles
Verdict: On MOT pass rate, the Mazda 3 is the more reliable of the two — 78% pass first time versus 58%. It's one signal among several; check the full breakdown below.
Head to head
| Measure | Mazda 3 | Mazda Mx-3 1.8i abs |
|---|---|---|
| MOT pass rate | 78% ✓ | 58% |
| MOT failure rate | 22% ✓ | 42% |
| Faults & advisories per test | 2.0 ✓ | 3.1 |
| Dangerous-fault share | 3% | 0% ✓ |
| Average mileage | 90,915 mi | 121,212 mi |
| Sample size (vehicles) | 164,058 | 1,301 |
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 Mx-3 1.8i abs
- Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)
- Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Fuel pipe/s corroded
- Offside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)
- Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)
Reliability FAQ
On MOT pass rate, the Mazda 3 is the more reliable of the two — 78% pass first time versus 58%. It's one signal among several; check the full breakdown below.
Full Mazda 3 report Full Mazda Mx-3 1.8i abs 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.