2017 Mazda CX-3 petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2017 Mazda CX-3 petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2017 Mazda CX-3 petrol than on all cars registered in 2017.

• Rigid brake pipes4.1× usual
  Mazda CX-3

  4.1% All 2017 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.1% of all 2017 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.

Common 2017 Mazda CX-3 petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2017 Mazda CX-3 petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  27% 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
  22% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  7% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Suspension
  6% 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
  5% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• 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 2017 Mazda CX-3 petrol

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.

• Engine software recall (built to Nov 2017)

  Built to Nov 2017

  A software fault could cause engine failure on cars built up to November 2017, and a short circuit could cut the engine out on cars built up to April 2017. Both were recalled.

  At the viewing: Ask a Mazda dealer to confirm the recalls were done.

  Source: Auto Express: used Mazda CX-3 (Mk1, 2015-2020) problems and recalls

• Air con problems

  All engines

  Many owners have had air con faults, and dealers replaced systems under warranty.

  At the viewing: Make sure it blows properly cold.

  Source: Auto Express: used Mazda CX-3 (Mk1, 2015-2020) problems and recalls

• Boot strut and brake hose recalls

  Some cars

  Recalls covered boot gas struts that could fail (2017) and a brake hose clip on cars built in May 2016.

  At the viewing: Check the boot stays up on its own, and ask for proof of recall work.

  Source: Auto Express: used Mazda CX-3 (Mk1, 2015-2020) problems and recalls

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2017 Mazda CX-3 petrol

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

1. Have the engine software and wiring recalls been done?
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 4.1× as often on the 2017 Mazda CX-3 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?