Mazda 3 Mk4 (BP) (2019-present) reliability
Mazda 3 Mk4 (BP) built around 2020: about average at the MOT
Mazda 3 Mk4 (BP) models built around 2020 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.
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Key figure
11% of MOT tests on Mazda 3 Mk4 (BP) models built around 2020 ended in a fail (retests included), against 12% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Mazda 3 Mk4 (BP) models built around 2020 involves the tyres.
Based on 16,229 tests of 3 models registered 2019+.
About 1 in 12 petrol 3 cars registered in 2022 (8.3%) failed their first MOT.
Based on 2,266 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).
About 1 in 75 3 Mk4 (BP) MOTs (1.3%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2020 (5 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 5,054 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 3 Mk4 (BP) MOTs (4.3%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2020 (5 years old).
Based on 5,054 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
Mk4 (BP) 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 6 years old.
How the 3 Mk4 (BP) compares
At each age below, see how the 3 Mk4 (BP) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 31,124 tests across 8 Mazda models, built around 2020 (5 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 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 3 Mk4 (BP).
- 1
Suzuki SX4
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 10.6%
No clear edge over the Mazda 3 Mk4 (BP) on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
1,440 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- 2
Citroen C5
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 16.6%
No clear edge over the Mazda 3 Mk4 (BP) on these figures.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
7,168 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- 3
Mini
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 10.7%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 95.6%
No clear edge over the Mazda 3 Mk4 (BP) 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.
44,857 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- 4
Volkswagen E-Golf
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 12.5%
No clear edge over the Mazda 3 Mk4 (BP) on these figures.
10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
3,917 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- 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.
Recall context
25 recalls in all10 of the 25 3 Mk4 (BP) recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 10 recalls
Top concerns
- Low pressure fuel pump impeller might become deformed
- The plastic logo on the steering wheel centre may shatter and project fragments into the vehicle interior during an air
- Vehicles may unexpectedly stop due to inadvertent activation of the automated smart brake support (sbs) system
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
What has gone wrong on 3 Mk4 (BP) cars built around 2020
The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 500 cars.
How 3 Mk4 (BP) cars have aged
How 3 Mk4 (BP) 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 Mk4 (BP) cars age
How each part holds up as Mk4 (BP) 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 | 5 years | 6 years | 7 years | 8 years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 2% | 2% | 13% | 41% |
| Brakes | 5% | 6% | 18% | 25% |
| Emissions | 2% | 2% | No figure | No figure |
| Tyres | 12% | 15% | 16% | 23% |
| Lighting | No figure | 2% | 3% | 4% |
| Corrosion | 0% | 0% | 0% | 1% |
Based on petrol cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 315 to 570 cars at each age.
Mk4 (BP) variants compared
Most common issues on Mazda 3 models of this age
This list covers every Mazda 3 built around 2020, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk4 (BP) on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 115.2%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 214.3%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 313.6%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
- 412.6%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
- 54.5%Advisory
Tyre has a cut that does not reach the ply or cords
Based on 5,054 tests
Looking at a Mazda 3 Mk4 (BP) right now?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2020 (5 years old), the Mazda 3 Mk4 (BP) (2019-present) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 5,054 5-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.