Mazda 2 Mk3 (DJ) (2015-present) reliability
Mazda 2 Mk3 (DJ) built around 2018: about average at the MOT
Mazda 2 Mk3 (DJ) models built around 2018 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.
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Key figure
13% of MOT tests on Mazda 2 Mk3 (DJ) models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 16% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Mazda 2 Mk3 (DJ) models built around 2018 involves the tyres.
Based on 63,534 tests of 2 models registered 2015+.
About 1 in 12 petrol 2 cars registered in 2022 (8%) failed their first MOT.
Based on 3,683 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).
About 1 in 75 2 Mk3 (DJ) MOTs (1.5%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 8,722 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.
About 1 in 25 2 Mk3 (DJ) MOTs (4%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).
Based on 8,722 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
Mk3 (DJ) fail rate by age
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 10 years old.
How the 2 Mk3 (DJ) compares
At each age below, see how the 2 Mk3 (DJ) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 43,359 tests across 7 Mazda models, built around 2018 (7 years old).
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.
What to check before viewing
The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.
Brake pipes and hoses
High priorityLook under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.
Brake pads
High priorityAsk when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.
Brake discs
High priorityAsk for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.
Other hatchbacks to compare
Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the 2 Mk3 (DJ).
- 1
Suzuki SX4
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 13.5%
No clear edge over the Mazda 2 Mk3 (DJ) on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
3,314 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 2
Mini
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 12.3%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 95.6%
No clear edge over the Mazda 2 Mk3 (DJ) on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.
50,561 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 3
Fiat 500
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 16.9%
No clear edge over the Mazda 2 Mk3 (DJ) on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
1,235 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 4
MG 3
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 23.3%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 88.1%
No clear edge over the Mazda 2 Mk3 (DJ) on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.
3,383 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- Fail rate
- = the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
- Still registered at 10 years
- = the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.
How many are still registered
UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical
The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.
Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).
Recall context
12 recalls in all7 of the 12 2 Mk3 (DJ) recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 1 Critical
- 6 more
Top concerns
- Fuel may leak
- Low pressure fuel pump impeller might become deformed
- Vehicles may be fitted with an incorrect purge valve bracket
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
What has gone wrong on 2 Mk3 (DJ) cars built around 2018
The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 610 cars.
How 2 Mk3 (DJ) cars have aged
How 2 Mk3 (DJ) cars have aged
How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.
Some lines cover only a year or two, so read this as a rough guide.
How each part holds up as Mk3 (DJ) cars age
How each part holds up as Mk3 (DJ) cars age
The share of petrol cars built 2017-2020 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.
| Part of the car | 6 years | 7 years | 8 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | No figure | 7% | 14% |
| Brakes | 9% | 12% | 16% |
| Emissions | No figure | No figure | 1% |
| Tyres | 9% | 14% | 14% |
| Lighting | 3% | 5% | 5% |
| Corrosion | 0% | 0% | 1% |
Based on petrol cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 610 to 627 cars at each age.
Mk3 (DJ) variants compared
Most common issues on Mazda 2 models of this age
This list covers every Mazda 2 built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk3 (DJ) on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 118.3%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 212.4%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 39.1%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
- 45.9%Advisory
Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease
- 53.6%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
Based on 8,722 tests
Looking at a Mazda 2 Mk3 (DJ) right now?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Mazda 2 Mk3 (DJ) (2015-present) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 8,722 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.