Mazda 3 vs Mazda Roadster mx5: 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 Roadster mx5
67%
MOT pass rate · 2 vehicles
Verdict: On MOT pass rate the Mazda 3 (78%) and Mazda Roadster mx5 (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 Roadster mx5 |
|---|---|---|
| MOT pass rate | 78% ✓ | 67% |
| MOT failure rate | 22% ✓ | 33% |
| Faults & advisories per test | 2.0 ✓ | 3.1 |
| Dangerous-fault share | 3% | 1% ✓ |
| Average mileage | 90,915 mi | 197,257 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 Roadster mx5
- Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)
- Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))
- Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)
- Track rod end ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)
- Front registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)
- Nearside outer track rod end joint cover split/missing
Reliability FAQ
On MOT pass rate the Mazda 3 (78%) and Mazda Roadster mx5 (67%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Full Mazda 3 report Full Mazda Roadster mx5 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.