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Mazda 3 Mk1 (BK) (2004-2008) reliability

At a glance

Mazda 3 Mk1 (BK) built around 2008: about average at the MOT

Mazda 3 Mk1 (BK) models built around 2008 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at a Mazda 3 Mk1 (BK) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

34% of MOT tests on Mazda 3 Mk1 (BK) models built around 2008 ended in a fail (retests included), against 32% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Mazda 3 Mk1 (BK) models built around 2008 involves the suspension.

Mazda 3 Mk1 (BK)
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2004-2008HatchbackPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 21,076 tests of 3 models registered 2004-2008.

About 1 in 15 3 Mk1 (BK) MOTs (7.5%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2008 (17 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 6,725 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 12 3 Mk1 (BK) MOTs (9.1%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2008 (17 years old).

Based on 6,725 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk1 (BK) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
3,35834.8%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
6,72534.2%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
5,26734.2%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
3,49735.7%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
1,85236.5%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
37733.4%

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 20 years old.

How the 3 Mk1 (BK) compares

At each age below, see how the 3 Mk1 (BK) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 28,181 tests across 8 Mazda models, built around 2008 (17 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateMazda average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
3,35834.8%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
6,72534.2%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
5,26734.2%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
3,49735.7%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
1,85236.5%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
37733.4%

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.

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension springs

Worth checking

Check ride height is even side-to-side and look for cracked or rusted coils.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check 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 3 Mk1 (BK).

  1. 1

    Subaru Impreza

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    23.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    10.2%
    Dangerous
    4.1%

    Lower fail rate: 23.7%, against 34.2% for the Mazda 3 Mk1 (BK), both built around 2008.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    1,727 MOT tests on cars built around 2008

  2. 2

    Toyota Prius

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    27.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4.6%
    Dangerous
    5.6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.4%

    Lower fail rate: 27.5%, against 34.2% for the Mazda 3 Mk1 (BK), both built around 2008.

    5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    8,273 MOT tests on cars built around 2008

  3. 3

    Smart ForTwo

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    28.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    8%
    Dangerous
    4.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    89.4%

    Lower fail rate: 28.3%, against 34.2% for the Mazda 3 Mk1 (BK), both built around 2008.

    4,904 MOT tests on cars built around 2008

  4. 4

    Toyota Corolla

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    29.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4.7%
    Dangerous
    7.4%

    Lower fail rate: 29.3%, against 34.2% for the Mazda 3 Mk1 (BK), both built around 2008.

    7 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    3,989 MOT tests on cars built around 2008

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
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

93%of all Mazda 3 cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

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

25 recalls in all

6 of the 25 3 Mk1 (BK) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 6 recalls

Top concerns

  • Engine revs may increase inadvertently
  • Engine mounting may fail under sudden acceleration
  • Engine mounting bolt may fail

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

What has gone wrong on 3 Mk1 (BK) cars built around 2008

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 782 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
78%
Emissions
26%
Drivetrain
7%
Bodywork
6%
Steering
2%

Wear items

Lighting
60%
Tyres
53%
Brakes
49%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 46% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.

How 3 Mk1 (BK) cars have aged

How 3 Mk1 (BK) 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.

0%10%20%30%40%1315171921Age at MOTBuilt around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 31.7% (7,046 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 32.6% (6,400 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 33.9% (5,813 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 33.9% (5,009 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 34.0% (4,288 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 31.6% (6,698 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 32.6% (5,973 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 33.2% (5,189 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 33.7% (4,282 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 33.5% (3,461 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 34.0% (5,711 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 34.1% (4,718 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 34.6% (3,804 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 35.1% (3,057 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 34.8% (2,265 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 35.2% (4,176 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 35.9% (3,328 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 35.4% (2,638 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 35.5% (1,995 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 36.6% (1,490 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 37.1% (1,401 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 36.9% (1,032 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 37.9% (747 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 37.8% (558 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 33.4% (377 tests, 2025 data)2004
First registered around 2008First registered around 2007First registered around 2006First registered around 2005
How each part holds up as Mk1 (BK) cars age

How each part holds up as Mk1 (BK) cars age

The share of petrol cars built 2005-2008 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 car17 years18 years19 years20 years
Suspension78%76%76%72%
Brakes49%46%49%50%
Emissions26%27%28%26%
Tyres53%50%57%59%
Lighting60%56%64%68%
Drivetrain7%5%4%5%
Bodywork6%6%11%14%
Steering2%2%2%2%
Corrosion46%45%49%48%

Based on petrol cars in the 2005-2008 build-year band, from 782 to 1,003 cars at each age.

Mk1 (BK) variants compared

3 Mk1 (BK) variants built around 2008

The fail rate for each 3 Mk1 (BK) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • 334.2%6,524 tests

Diesel

  • 333.0%200 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Mazda 3 models of this age

This list covers every Mazda 3 built around 2008, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 (BK) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Suspension part corroded, but not seriously weakened

    31.5%
    Advisory: 4,292Fail: 43 (1% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    31.3%
    Advisory: 2,358Fail: 902 (28% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    24.5%
    Advisory: 2,119Fail: 258 (11% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Coil spring corroded

    14.1%
    Advisory: 1,044Fail: 209 (17% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    13.9%
    Advisory: 925Fail: 22 (2% of the times it was found)

Based on 6,725 tests

Looking at a Mazda 3 Mk1 (BK) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2008 (17 years old), the Mazda 3 Mk1 (BK) (2004-2008) fails MOTs slightly more often than typical for this age. This is based on 6,725 17-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 21,076 MOT tests on Mazda 3 models first registered between 2004-2008. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.