2012 Mazda 3 petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Mazda 3 petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Mazda 3 petrol than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Sub-frame3.6× usual
  Mazda 3

  12.5% All 2012 cars

  3.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0.2% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Ball joint2.7× usual
  Mazda 3

  13.8% All 2012 cars

  5.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.8%, against 2.9% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Anti-roll bar link joints3.8× usual
  Mazda 3

  11.3% All 2012 cars

  3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 1.1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Suspension arm4.8× usual
  Mazda 3

  9.1% All 2012 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0.2% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Flexible brake hoses2.1× usual
  Mazda 3

  2.5% All 2012 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.2% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

Common 2012 Mazda 3 petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Mazda 3 petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  44% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Tyres
  34% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Brakes
  26% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  23% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  9% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  5% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Mazda 3 petrol

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 3.6× as often on the 2012 Mazda 3 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2012 Mazda 3 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.8× as often on the 2012 Mazda 3 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?