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Mazda CX-3 Mk1 (DK) (2015-2023) reliability

At a glance

Mazda CX-3 Mk1 (DK) built around 2018: about average at the MOT

Mazda CX-3 Mk1 (DK) models built around 2018 fail their MOT a little less often than similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Mazda CX-3 Mk1 (DK) right now?

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

Key figure

12% of MOT tests on Mazda CX-3 Mk1 (DK) 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 CX-3 Mk1 (DK) models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

Mazda CX-3 Mk1 (DK)
excellent reliability2015-2023SUVPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 29,389 tests of CX-3 models registered 2015-2023.

About 1 in 50 CX-3 Mk1 (DK) MOTs (1.8%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 5,854 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 CX-3 Mk1 (DK) MOTs (3.9%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).

Based on 5,854 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk1 (DK) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
3,16410.4%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
7,87910.9%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
5,85411.8%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
5,93016.1%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
5,17920.0%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
1,38322.7%

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 CX-3 Mk1 (DK) compares

At each age below, see how the CX-3 Mk1 (DK) 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
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
3,16410.4%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
7,87910.9%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
5,85411.8%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
5,93016.1%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
5,17920.0%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
1,38322.7%

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 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.

Brake pipes and hoses

High priority

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

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 SUVs to compare

Other SUVs, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the CX-3 Mk1 (DK).

  1. 1

    Mitsubishi Eclipse

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.4%

    No clear edge over the Mazda CX-3 Mk1 (DK) on these figures.

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

    3,969 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    Volkswagen T-Roc

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    9.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    0.9%
    Dangerous
    3.9%

    Lower fail rate: 9.6%, against 11.8% for the Mazda CX-3 Mk1 (DK), both built around 2018.

    9,233 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    Skoda Karoq

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    10.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1%
    Dangerous
    4.3%

    Fewer fails still not passed 3 days later: 1.0%, against 1.8% for the Mazda CX-3 Mk1 (DK).

    8,610 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    Lexus RX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    7.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.3%
    Dangerous
    2.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    90.4%

    Lower fail rate: 7.6%, against 11.8% for the Mazda CX-3 Mk1 (DK), both built around 2018.

    1,815 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

96%of all Mazda CX-3 cars first registered in 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

5 recalls in all

All 5 CX-3 Mk1 (DK) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 4 more

Top concerns

  • Control logic which monitors the charging control program fails to divert electrical power away from capacitor in the EV
  • Low pressure fuel pump impeller might become deformed
  • Brake hose retaining clip may fail.

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

What has gone wrong on CX-3 Mk1 (DK) cars built around 2018

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 384 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
2%
Emissions
1%

Wear items

Tyres
13%
Brakes
11%
Lighting
4%
How CX-3 Mk1 (DK) cars have aged

How CX-3 Mk1 (DK) 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%345678910Age at MOTBuilt around 2019, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 6.8% (5,828 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2019, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 8.4% (5,465 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2019, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 10.4% (5,405 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2019, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 11.0% (5,345 tests, 2025 data)2019Built around 2018, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 6.1% (4,397 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2018, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 8.7% (4,115 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2018, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 10.1% (4,002 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2018, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 10.9% (3,905 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2018, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 11.2% (3,805 tests, 2025 data)2018Built around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 8.5% (3,769 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 11.1% (3,721 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 11.7% (3,607 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 12.9% (3,604 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 14.6% (3,595 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 12.2% (3,754 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 14.1% (3,715 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 17.5% (3,732 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 16.8% (3,581 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 19.7% (3,622 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 14.8% (1,551 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 15.4% (1,488 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 15.8% (1,419 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 18.7% (1,384 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 22.7% (1,383 tests, 2025 data)2015
First registered around 2019First registered around 2018First registered around 2017First registered around 2016
How each part holds up as Mk1 (DK) cars age

How each part holds up as Mk1 (DK) 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 car6 years7 years8 years
Suspension1%2%6%
Brakes6%11%14%
EmissionsNo figure1%1%
Tyres11%13%19%
Lighting2%4%4%
Corrosion0%0%3%

Based on petrol cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 323 to 509 cars at each age.

Mk1 (DK) variants compared

CX-3 Mk1 (DK) variants built around 2018

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

Petrol

  • cx-311.3%5,171 tests

Diesel

  • cx-315.7%683 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Mazda CX-3 models of this age

This list covers every Mazda CX-3 built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 (DK) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

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

  1. 1
    Advisory

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

    15.3%
    Advisory: 1,340Fail: 87 (6% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    12.8%
    Advisory: 837Fail: 111 (12% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    12.1%
    Advisory: 1,056Fail: 100 (9% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

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

    8.4%
    Advisory: 680Fail: 4 (1% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease

    4.0%
    Advisory: 404Fail: 24 (6% of the times it was found)

Based on 5,854 tests

Looking at a Mazda CX-3 Mk1 (DK) 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 CX-3 Mk1 (DK) (2015-2023) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 5,854 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 29,389 MOT tests on Mazda CX-3 models first registered between 2015-2023. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.