1997 Mazda Mx-3 — MOT failures & pass rate

Across 355 MOT tests analysed for the 1997 Mazda Mx-3, the most common recorded failure areas were suspension, brakes and lighting & signalling. Its pass rate of 71.0% was below the average for cars of a similar age (76.5%). Higher-mileage examples failed more often — 30.2% in the 120-150k group versus 20.2% in the 30-60k group.

Pass rate

355

MOT tests analysed

29.0%

Fail rate

worse than

vs cars of similar age

25.8

Avg age at test (yrs)

How it compares

Fail rate for this model-year against the segment and national averages for cars of a similar age.

Top failure categories

Most common MOT failure areas — 1997 Mazda Mx-3
#	Category	% of tests affected	Tests
1	Suspension	14.6%	52
2	Brakes	14.1%	50
3	Lighting & signalling	13.8%	49
4	Visibility	7.3%	26
5	Body, structure & corrosion	7.0%	25
6	Emissions & environmental	5.6%	20

Percentage of tests with at least one failure recorded in each category.

Most common specific failures

The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.

Most frequently recorded failure items — 1997 Mazda Mx-3
#	Failure item	Times recorded
1	Component mounting prescribed areas	58
2	Service brake performance	28
3	Headlamp aim	22
4	Catalyst emissions	17
5	Washers	16
6	Integral vehicle structure condition	15

Top advisory categories

Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.

Most common MOT advisories — 1997 Mazda Mx-3
#	Category	% of tests with advisory	Tests
1	Brakes	36.9%	131
2	Suspension	36.3%	129
3	Tyres	26.2%	93
4	Emissions & environmental	22.3%	79
5	Body, structure & corrosion	16.6%	59
6	Steering	6.2%	22

Failure rate by mileage

Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.

MOT fail rate by recorded mileage band.

Fail rate by recorded mileage — 1997 Mx-3
Mileage band	Tests	Fail rate
30-60k	94	20.2%
60-90k	74	28.4%
90-120k	126	37.3%
120-150k	43	30.2%

Failure rate by age

How this model-year's MOT fail rate climbs as the cars get older.

Trend over time

Fail rate by dataset year — 1997 Mx-3
Dataset year	Tests	Fail rate
2021	87	31.0%
2022	79	30.4%
2023	66	28.8%
2024	67	29.8%
2025	56	23.2%

What to check before buying a 1997 Mx-3

Before buying a 1997 Mazda Mx-3, focus on the areas it most often fails on. Suspension accounted for 14.6% of tests for this year.

Suspension (14.6% of tests): Worn drop links, bushes, springs or shocks — listen for knocks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear. Typical repair: £150–£450 per corner.
Brakes (14.1% of tests): Pads/discs are routine wear; binding, imbalance or corroded pipes are more serious — test for pulling under braking. Typical repair: £100–£350 per axle.
Lighting & signalling (13.8% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.

Repair costs are rough UK ballpark ranges to set expectations, not quotes — actual prices vary widely by car, parts and garage.

Frequently asked questions

How many 1997 Mazda Mx-3s pass their MOT?

71.0% of the 355 1997 Mazda Mx-3 MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 29.0% fail rate.

What is the most common MOT failure on a 1997 Mazda Mx-3?

Suspension, recorded in 14.6% of tests, followed by brakes (14.1%).

Does the 1997 Mx-3 get worse with mileage?

Its MOT fail rate rises from 20.2% in the 30-60k band to 30.2% in the 120-150k band.

Methodology & source. Based on 355 MOT tests. 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.