Model reliability

Mazda CX-3 reliability

The Mazda CX-3 fails its MOT less often than most cars up to 5 years old: 9.7% of 12,842 tests failed in 2023, against 14% on average.

Up to 5 years old

9.7% failed their MOT

Better than most

From 12,842 MOT tests of Mazda CX-3s this age.

Where it does worse than other cars this age

Advised 42% more oftenMechanical brake components17.2% vs 12.1%

Advised 32% more oftenTyre condition11.1% vs 8.4%Fix about £90

6 to 10 years old

16.6% failed their MOT

Better than most

From 12,217 MOT tests of Mazda CX-3s this age.

Where it does worse than other cars this age

Fails 9× as oftenSeat belts2.7% vs 0.3%

Safety recalls

5 DVSA recalls for the Mazda CX-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.

R/2021/4354 Jan 2022Built 2017–2019Low pressure fuel pump impeller might become deformed

The impeller in the low-pressure fuel pump may become deformed causing fuel pump failure.

Fix: Replace the low-pressure fuel pump with an improved part.

Recalled models: CX-3 · 26,974 vehicles

R/2018/23717 Sept 2018Built 2015–2017Control logic which monitors the charging control program fails to divert electrical power away from capacitor in the event of a fault

On the subject vehicles the control logic which monitors the charging control program fails to divert the electrical power away from the capacitor when a fault is detected within the capacitor circuit. This can cause a short circuit inside the DCDC converter and could cause the engine to stall or overheating of the DCDC converter itself which could cause a fire. The fault is accompanied by the �i-ELOOP� warning light being illuminated on the instrument cluster along with the �i-Stop� warning light flashing The engine may in some circumstances stall and fail to restart. In extreme cases the DCDC converter could overheat and cause a fire

Fix: Reprogram the PCM with the correct control logic. If error code �U3000: 49-DCDC� is stored � the DCDC Converter must also be replaced.

Recalled models: CX-3 · 965 vehicles

R/2018/0872 Apr 2018Built 2015–2017Software error can cause engine to fail

On the subject vehicles the engine protection logic does not work properly. When the engine speed reaches maximum with no engine load present � the software is unable to cut the engine. This could in extreme cases cause catastrophic engine failure. Immediate and catastrophic engine damage may result.

Fix: Re-program the engine protection software within the PCM.

Recalled models: CX-3 · 4,858 vehicles

R/2017/20314 Jul 2017Built 2016Brake hose retaining clip may fail.

Surface finishing of brake hose retaining clip may be insufficient causing possibility of corrosion and failure of clip.

Fix: Replace brake hose clips with modified ones

Recalled models: CX-3 · 650 vehicles

R/2017/16331 May 2017Built 2015Tailgate may drop down without warning

Water may penetrate the tailgate strut cylinder. This may cause corrosion which may affect the strut's attachment.

Fix: Replace both tailgate struts on affected vehicles

Recalled models: CX-3 · 121,812 vehicles

DVSA vehicle safety recalls (Crown copyright, Open Government Licence).

Checking a Mazda CX-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.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2023 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Failure rates compare this model with all cars in the same age band. Fix prices are typical independent-garage estimates.

Mazda CX-3 reliability

5 DVSA recalls for the Mazda CX-3

Checking a Mazda CX-3 before you buy

Run this check on every listing, automatically.