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Mazda 3 Mk2 (BL) (2009-2013) reliability

At a glance

Mazda 3 Mk2 (BL) built around 2013: about average at the MOT

Mazda 3 Mk2 (BL) models built around 2013 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Mazda 3 Mk2 (BL) right now?

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

Key figure

26% of MOT tests on Mazda 3 Mk2 (BL) models built around 2013 ended in a fail (retests included), against 25% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Mazda 3 Mk2 (BL) models built around 2013 involves the suspension.

Mazda 3 Mk2 (BL)
average reliability2009-2013HatchbackPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 39,933 tests of 3 models registered 2009-2013.

About 1 in 20 3 Mk2 (BL) MOTs (4.9%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2013 (12 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 6,450 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 Mk2 (BL) MOTs (7.9%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2013 (12 years old).

Based on 6,450 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk2 (BL) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
2,56424.4%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
6,45025.7%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
6,73728.9%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
8,84430.6%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
10,10030.4%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
5,23831.8%

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 16 years old.

How the 3 Mk2 (BL) compares

At each age below, see how the 3 Mk2 (BL) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 31,359 tests across 7 Mazda models, built around 2013 (12 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateMazda average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
2,56424.4%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
6,45025.7%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
6,73728.9%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
8,84430.6%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
10,10030.4%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
5,23831.8%

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 pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

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.

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 Mk2 (BL).

  1. 1

    Honda Fit

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16.1%

    Lower fail rate: 16.1%, against 25.7% for the Mazda 3 Mk2 (BL), both built around 2013.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,015 MOT tests on cars built around 2013

  2. 2

    Lexus CT

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    18.2%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.4%
    Dangerous
    5.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.2%

    Lower fail rate: 18.2%, against 25.7% for the Mazda 3 Mk2 (BL), both built around 2013.

    4,671 MOT tests on cars built around 2013

  3. 3

    Audi A7

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.6%
    Dangerous
    5.4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    84.3%

    Lower fail rate: 15.0%, against 25.7% for the Mazda 3 Mk2 (BL), both built around 2013.

    1,796 MOT tests on cars built around 2013

  4. 4

    Mini

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    21.6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.6%

    Lower fail rate: 21.6%, against 25.7% for the Mazda 3 Mk2 (BL), both built around 2013.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.

    43,222 MOT tests on cars built around 2013

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

7 of the 25 3 Mk2 (BL) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 6 more

Top concerns

  • Injector mounting nuts tightening force may be insufficient
  • Mounting points for seat runner may fail
  • Engine may stall

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

How 3 Mk2 (BL) cars have aged

How 3 Mk2 (BL) 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%810121416Age at MOTBuilt around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 17.5% (4,184 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 19.4% (4,197 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 21.7% (4,203 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 23.8% (4,143 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 24.3% (3,988 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 20.7% (4,310 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 23.3% (4,306 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 24.6% (4,261 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 26.1% (4,057 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 27.0% (3,884 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 25.5% (5,025 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 26.5% (4,955 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 27.8% (4,794 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 29.6% (4,599 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 30.6% (4,345 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 26.8% (7,860 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 28.2% (7,592 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 29.3% (7,112 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 30.1% (6,668 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 30.1% (6,072 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.5% (7,625 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 30.2% (7,171 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 31.6% (6,710 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 32.2% (6,012 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 31.7% (5,238 tests, 2025 data)2009
First registered around 2013First registered around 2012First registered around 2011First registered around 2010
Mk2 (BL) variants compared

3 Mk2 (BL) variants built around 2013

The fail rate for each 3 Mk2 (BL) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • 324.4%4,556 tests

Diesel

  • 328.7%1,892 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 2013, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk2 (BL) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

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

  1. 1
    Advisory

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

    29.0%
    Advisory: 2,067Fail: 727 (26% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    23.7%
    Advisory: 2,108Fail: 192 (8% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Suspension part corroded, but not seriously weakened

    21.5%
    Advisory: 3,186Fail: 23 (1% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    13.6%
    Advisory: 1,014Fail: 234 (19% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    12.7%
    Advisory: 815Fail: 177 (18% of the times it was found)

Based on 6,450 tests

Looking at a Mazda 3 Mk2 (BL) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2013 (12 years old), the Mazda 3 Mk2 (BL) (2009-2013) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 6,450 12-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 39,933 MOT tests on Mazda 3 models first registered between 2009-2013. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.