Mazda 3: suspension MOT failures
Suspension was a recorded failure area in 11.5% of Mazda 3 MOT tests in this dataset. It is most prominent on 2005, 2006 cars.
Worn drop links, bushes, springs or shocks — listen for knocks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear. Typical repair cost: £150–£450 per corner (rough UK ballpark, not a quote).
Suspension failures by year
| Model year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 7,031 | 18.1% |
| 2005 | 22,458 | 19.3% |
| 2006 | 30,751 | 18.3% |
| 2007 | 39,608 | 17.8% |
| 2008 | 46,133 | 18.1% |
Methodology & source. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-01. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.