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Mazda 3 Mk3 (BM/BN) (2014-2018) reliability

At a glance

Mazda 3 Mk3 (BM/BN) built around 2018: about average at the MOT

Mazda 3 Mk3 (BM/BN) models built around 2018 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Mazda 3 Mk3 (BM/BN) right now?

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

Key figure

18% of MOT tests on Mazda 3 Mk3 (BM/BN) 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 3 Mk3 (BM/BN) models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

Mazda 3 Mk3 (BM/BN)
average reliability2014-2018HatchbackPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 57,353 tests of 3 models registered 2014-2018.

About 1 in 40 3 Mk3 (BM/BN) MOTs (2.5%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 8,899 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 15 3 Mk3 (BM/BN) MOTs (6%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).

Based on 8,899 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk3 (BM/BN) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
2,97013.1%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
8,89917.7%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
11,42321.1%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
13,56121.9%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
14,22323.4%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
6,27723.5%

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 11 years old.

How the 3 Mk3 (BM/BN) compares

At each age below, see how the 3 Mk3 (BM/BN) 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).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateMazda average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
2,97013.1%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
8,89917.7%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
11,42321.1%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
13,56121.9%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
14,22323.4%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
6,27723.5%

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.

Brake pipes and hoses

High priority

Look under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask 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 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 Mk3 (BM/BN).

  1. 1

    Mini

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.6%

    Lower fail rate: 12.3%, against 17.7% for the Mazda 3 Mk3 (BM/BN), both built around 2018.

    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

  2. 2

    Suzuki SX4

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13.5%

    Lower fail rate: 13.5%, against 17.7% for the Mazda 3 Mk3 (BM/BN), both built around 2018.

    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

  3. 3

    Lexus CT

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    10.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.1%
    Dangerous
    4.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.2%

    Lower fail rate: 10.5%, against 17.7% for the Mazda 3 Mk3 (BM/BN), both built around 2018.

    3,255 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    Toyota Prius

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    11.1%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    0.9%
    Dangerous
    3.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.4%

    Lower fail rate: 11.1%, against 17.7% for the Mazda 3 Mk3 (BM/BN), both built around 2018.

    5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    17,367 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

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

14 of the 25 3 Mk3 (BM/BN) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 13 more

Top concerns

  • Injector mounting nuts tightening force may be insufficient
  • Engine may stall
  • Low pressure fuel pump impeller might become deformed

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

How 3 Mk3 (BM/BN) cars have aged

How 3 Mk3 (BM/BN) 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%357911Age at MOTBuilt around 2018, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 8.4% (5,643 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2018, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 11.4% (5,390 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2018, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 13.6% (5,399 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2018, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 14.9% (5,311 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2018, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 15.7% (5,289 tests, 2025 data)2018Built around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 13.4% (6,603 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 16.3% (6,724 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 19.2% (6,799 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 19.4% (6,686 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 20.9% (6,685 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 17.5% (8,933 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 18.3% (8,839 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 19.6% (8,755 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 20.6% (8,617 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 21.6% (8,523 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 17.0% (10,140 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 18.6% (10,156 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 20.4% (10,107 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 21.2% (9,884 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 23.7% (9,981 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 19.1% (6,782 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 19.8% (6,681 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 21.7% (6,611 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 21.9% (6,465 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 23.5% (6,277 tests, 2025 data)2014
First registered around 2018First registered around 2017First registered around 2016First registered around 2015
Mk3 (BM/BN) variants compared

3 Mk3 (BM/BN) variants built around 2018

The fail rate for each 3 Mk3 (BM/BN) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • 317.2%7,901 tests

Diesel

  • 321.3%996 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 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk3 (BM/BN) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

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

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    17.2%
    Advisory: 1,683Fail: 280 (14% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    15.3%
    Advisory: 1,935Fail: 151 (7% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    14.4%
    Advisory: 1,785Fail: 219 (11% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    11.3%
    Advisory: 1,361Fail: 7 (1% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease

    9.1%
    Advisory: 1,604Fail: 174 (10% of the times it was found)

Based on 8,899 tests

Looking at a Mazda 3 Mk3 (BM/BN) 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 3 Mk3 (BM/BN) (2014-2018) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 8,899 7-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 57,353 MOT tests on Mazda 3 models first registered between 2014-2018. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.