2016 Mazda 3 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2016 Mazda 3 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2016 Mazda 3 diesel than on all cars registered in 2016.

• Rigid brake pipes8.5× usual
  Mazda 3

  12.7% All 2016 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 0.2% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Coil springs2.8× usual
  Mazda 3

  8.9% All 2016 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.7%, against 2.1% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Braking performance1.9× usual
  Mazda 3

  4.4% All 2016 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.8% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Suspension arm5× usual
  Mazda 3

  2% All 2016 cars

  0.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0% of all 2016 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.

• Engine warning light2.2× usual
  Mazda 3

  2.8% All 2016 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 1.3% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2016 Mazda 3 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2016 Mazda 3 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  35% 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.

• Tyres
  31% 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.

• Suspension
  23% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  8% 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
  6% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Seats and seatbelts
  3% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Known faults on the 2016 Mazda 3 diesel

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Blocked particulate filter (diesel)

  Diesel

  The diesel’s particulate filter can clog on cars used only for short trips.

  At the viewing: Ask what journeys it does, and watch for a DPF warning light.

  Source: Auto Express: used Mazda 3 (Mk3, 2014-2019) review

• Infotainment glitches

  All engines

  There are some reports of glitches and lag with the infotainment and sat nav.

  At the viewing: Try the screen, sat nav and phone connection.

  Source: Auto Express: used Mazda 3 (Mk3, 2014-2019) review

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2016 Mazda 3 diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 8.5× as often on the 2016 Mazda 3 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2016 Mazda 3 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2016 Mazda 3 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?