Mazda 3 (2011)
2011 Mazda 3
CarHunch analysed 6,419 real MOT records for the 2011 Mazda 3.
Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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The 2011 Mazda 3 meets the UK average with a 79.6% pass rate, though nearly half of these cars have recorded a dangerous defect at some point—a notably high proportion that warrants a full inspection before purchase. Petrol models hold a slight edge over diesels (80.0% vs 78.5% pass rate), suggesting the petrol variant is marginally more robust.
At around 60,000 miles median, these cars are well-used but not excessively so for their age. The average vehicle racks up 3.12 failures and 20.4 advisories per test, indicating routine wear items and minor faults rather than systemic problems—but the dangerous defect history means you should commission a pre-purchase inspection that specifically flags suspension, braking, and lighting components.
The 2011 Mazda 3 has a decent first-time pass rate (79.6%), but a higher-than-average share of vehicles have had serious defects recorded — the individual vehicle's history matters a lot here.
These stats describe 6,419 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.
What tends to go wrong
Across 6,419 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2011.
See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches
Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 6,419 Mazda 3 cars.
Petrol vs Diesel
Pass rate difference of 1.5 percentage points — worth knowing if you're choosing between the two.
Before you buy a 2011 Mazda 3
Based on MOT data from 6,419 vehicles — here's what to check.
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Check the full MOT history.
48.5% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded -
recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle. -
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Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price.
Inspection
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Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically.
History
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (75%) | 4,811 | 80% | 3.15 |
| Diesel (25%) | 1,606 | 78.5% | 3.03 |
Colour Breakdown
Based on 162,087 Mazda 3 vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.
Mileage Distribution
Most 2011 Mazda 3 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2011 Mazda 3 vehicles fall between 46,432 and 74,737 miles.
2011 Mazda 3 — Still on the Road
Most 2011 Mazda 3s are still being driven.
4,921 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 79% 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.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.
MOT History Averages
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Compare with another model
See how the 2011 Mazda 3 stacks up against a rival.