Mazda 3 (2010)
2010 Mazda 3
CarHunch analysed 10,781 real MOT records for the 2010 Mazda 3. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
Petrol vs Diesel
Pass rate difference of 1.8 percentage points — worth knowing if you're choosing between the two.
What to check before buying a 2010 Mazda 3
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- ⚠️ 48.8% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Mazda 3
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (71%) | 7,623 | 79.7% | 3.35 |
| Diesel (29%) | 3,156 | 77.9% | 3.21 |
| LPG (0%) | 1 | 80% | 3 |
| Other (0%) | 1 | 80% | 2 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2010 Mazda 3 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2010 Mazda 3 vehicles fall between 49,908 and 78,878 miles.
2010 Mazda 3 — Still on the Road
7,313 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 70% of the peak remain.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2010 Mazda 3
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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58.3%
Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened
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53.4%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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52.4%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
-
38.4%
Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint has slight play
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35.8%
Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint has slight play
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32.1%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
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31.3%
Oil leak, but not excessive
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29.8%
Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2010. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Mazda 3?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.