Mazda

Mazda 3 (2022)

2,278 real MOT outcomes analysed • 95.7% first-time pass rate

2022 Mazda 3

CarHunch analysed 2,278 real MOT records for the 2022 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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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2022 Mazda 3 is a genuinely reliable proposition, with a first-time pass rate of 95.7%—well above the UK average of 80%—and only 3.4% of vehicles ever recording a dangerous defect. This is a car that arrives at the MOT test in proper working order and stays that way.

At an average mileage of 24,446 miles for a two-year-old car, these examples are running normally, and the data confirms it: just 0.09 failures per vehicle and 0.9 advisories per vehicle suggest minimal wear or neglect. If you're considering one, a pre-purchase inspection remains wise, but you're looking at a model with a clean, predictable service record—focus your attention on maintenance history and accident damage rather than mechanical soundness.

The 2022 Mazda 3 passes its MOT first time more often than most UK vehicles (95.7% vs ~80% average) — and when it does fail, it's usually something minor and cheap to fix.

First-time pass
95.7%
UK average ~80%
Better than average
Dangerous (ever)
3.4%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
0.09
Over 1.2 tests on record
Low
Typical mileage
22k
Middle half: 15k–30k
For context
Good baseline reliability. A 95.7% first-time pass rate puts this well above the UK average — it's a well-sorted vehicle in this age bracket.

These stats describe 2,278 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.

A solid choice — agree?

What tends to go wrong

Across 2,278 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 13.6%
Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing · Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing · Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Brake wear 9.2%
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened · Offside Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Other issues 2.5%
Undertrays fitted
Lighting 2.2%
Offside Headlamp aim too high
Usually cheap to fix. Worth confirming all lights work before collecting.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2022.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 2,278 Mazda 3 cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2022 Mazda 3

Based on MOT data from 2,278 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 3.4% 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.
  • 🔍 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 ClickMechanic
  • 📄 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 carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (100%) 2,274 95.7% 0.09

Colour Breakdown

Based on 162,087 Mazda 3 vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Blue 23.1%
37,420
Grey 19%
30,747
Silver 18.1%
29,403
Red 16.5%
26,683
Black 13.2%
21,382
White 9.4%
15,266
Green 0.4%
671
Purple 0.3%
449
Bronze 0%
22
Brown 0%
17
Multi-colour 0%
15
Maroon 0%
12

Mileage Distribution

Most 2022 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.

22,451
typical
15,375
low mileage
30,160
high mileage

Half of all 2022 Mazda 3 vehicles fall between 15,375 and 30,160 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 15,375 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
15,375–30,160 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2022 Mazda 3s sit.
Over 40,716 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

MOT History Averages

1.2
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.09
Avg failures per vehicle
0.9
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Mazda 3: All 3 years → Which year to buy? →
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2023

Or browse all models: Mazda →

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Compare with another model

See how the 2022 Mazda 3 stacks up against a rival.

A solid choice — agree?