Mazda 3 reliability
The Mazda 3 fails its MOT about as often as most cars over 10 years old: 43.4% of 49,919 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.
7 DVSA recalls for the Mazda 3
Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.
Mounting points for seat runner may fail
One or more of the mounting points between the runner and the driver�s seat may fail.
Fix: On affected vehicles inspect the driver�s seat frame to determine if seat lifter links are damaged. If no damage is evident fit reinforcement brackets and �push nuts�. If damage is present to the seat lifter link replace seat frame. If damage is restricted to stabilizer bar then the bar will be repaired plus brackets and� push nuts� fitted.
Recalled models: 3 · 95,172 vehicles
Engine may stall
Engine may not restart when customer expects after i-stop operation. Although check engine light on dashboard will illuminate.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and re-programme the engine Power Control Module (PCM) with a modified calibration.
Recalled models: 3 · 394 vehicles
Wiper motor may fail
Front windscreen motor may suddenly stop operating. The cause of the problem is due to a poor electrical earth connection.
Fix: The remedy is a fitment of an additional earth wire between the wiper motor and body of the vehicle.
Recalled models: 3 · 11,354 vehicles
Engine revs may increase inadvertently
It is possible that white smoke can occur from the exhaust pipe and engine speed may increase whilst driving.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles and replace Power Control Module.
Recalled models: 3 · 15,854 vehicles
Engine mounting may fail under sudden acceleration
It has been identified that the number 4 engine mounting bolt may not have been tightened to the correct torque during production. This could result in the engine mounting failing under sudden acceleration.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the mounting bolt checked for compliance. Should the torque on the subject bolt be found to be outside of the specification.The appropriate action as described in the technical instruction will be applied as necessary.
Recalled models: 3 · 3,965 vehicles
Engine mounting bolt may fail
No 4 Engine mounting tightening bolt may loosen if a sudden acceleration is repeatedly carried out. If vehicle is continually used under such conditions No 4 mounting bolt may drop off and break allowing transmission to be out of position and in the worst case the driveshaft may detach resulting in loss of drive.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles to check mounting bolt torque and if necessary replace bolt with modified version.
Recalled models: 3 · 430 vehicles
Engine may seize
It has been identified that on a small number of vehicles the oil feed in the cylinder head and camshaft carrier may not be correctly aligned allowing the oil flow to be restricted. If this this allowed to continue it is likely to result in an engine malfunction when the mileage exceeds 62000.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will be checked for their presence in the affected range and fitted with a new partial engine if so identified.
Recalled models: 3 · 181 vehicles
Checking a Mazda 3 before you buy
Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.