Mazda 3 BM (2013–2019): what fails at MOT
Across 50,417 MOT tests of the Mazda 3 BM (2013–2019) in the DfT's 2023 MOT data (initial tests, retests excluded), 23.2% failed — about 1 in 4. The parts that fail most are suspension (10.3% of tests), brakes (6.5%), tyres (5.4%), wipers, windscreen and mirrors (3.1%) and lights and electrics (2.7%).
Allowing for age and mileage, the Mazda 3 BM has 6% more MOT failures than the average car of the same age and mileage. That puts it last of the two Mazda 3 generations on MOT results; the Mazda 3 BP (2019–2025) does best.
The MOT checks safety and emissions items — brakes, suspension, steering, lights, tyres, body structure and exhaust emissions. It does not test engines, gearboxes or most electronics, so those faults only show up here when they cause an emissions failure or a leak.
Mazda 3 BM (2013–2019)
MOT: 23.2% of 50,417 initial tests failed — 6% more failures than the average car of the same age and mileage
| # | Part / area | Share of MOT tests failing |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | suspension | 10.3% |
| 2 | brakes | 6.5% |
| 3 | tyres | 5.4% |
| 4 | wipers, windscreen and mirrors | 3.1% |
| 5 | lights and electrics | 2.7% |
Questions
What fails most on a Mazda 3 BM at MOT?
The most common MOT failure is suspension: 10.3% of Mazda 3 BM (2013–2019) MOT tests in the 2023 data failed on suspension. Next come brakes (6.5%) and tyres (5.4%).
How often does a Mazda 3 BM fail its MOT?
23.2% of Mazda 3 BM (2013–2019) MOT tests in the 2023 data failed (about 1 in 4), counting initial tests only, across 50,417 tests.
Is the Mazda 3 BM (2013–2019) reliable?
On MOT results, the Mazda 3 BM has 6% more MOT failures than the average car of the same age and mileage. MOT data covers safety and emissions items, not engines or gearboxes.
Does this Mazda 3 BM data cover engine and gearbox problems?
No. The MOT checks safety and emissions items — brakes, suspension, steering, lights, tyres, body structure and exhaust emissions. It does not test engines, gearboxes or most electronics, so those faults only show up here when they cause an emissions failure or a leak.