Does the Mazda CX-3 fail the MOT on suspension more than it should?
The Mazda CX-3 records 2.21 suspension failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 3.26 expected for a car of the same age mix: less than expected for its class and age (−1.05, 95% interval −1.15 to −0.95). It ranks 326 of 701 models on suspension (1 = most failures above expected).
Data release dvsa-2024-v2 (24 Sep 2026) · page updated 30 Sep 2026 · all models on suspension · check a Mazda CX-3 by registration
What exactly fails on suspension?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the Mazda CX-3 is “A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened”, recorded 990 times in 2019–2024.
| DVSA defect wording | Items | Per 100 tests |
|---|---|---|
| A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened | 990 | 0.86 |
| A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated | 811 | 0.70 |
| A shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage | 231 | 0.20 |
| A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn | 153 | 0.13 |
| A suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc | 132 | 0.11 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 115,726 (initial tests) · Method: failure items (major and minor) grouped by DVSA's defect tree; wordings with 30+ items · Updated: 30 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
If a Mazda CX-3 gets a suspension advisory, how often does it fail next time?
11.2% of Mazda CX-3 MOTs with a suspension advisory were followed by a fail in the same group at the next MOT, typically 12 months and 6,678 miles later (655 advisories followed).
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 655 (advisories followed) · Method: the same vehicles followed to their next ordinary MOT · Updated: 30 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
Other pages for this model
Mazda CX-3 2015 · Mazda CX-3 2016 · Mazda CX-3 2017 · Mazda CX-3 2018 · Mazda CX-3 2019 · Mazda CX-3 in Norway · Mazda CX-3 in Finland · Mazda CX-3 in the Netherlands · Mazda CX-3 by postcode area · Mazda CX-3 body, chassis and structure failures · Mazda CX-3 brakes failures · Mazda CX-3 vehicle identification failures · Mazda CX-3 lamps, reflectors and electrics failures · Mazda CX-3 noise, emissions and leaks failures · Mazda CX-3 road wheels failures · Mazda CX-3 seat belts and airbags failures · Mazda CX-3 steering failures · Mazda CX-3 tyres failures · Mazda CX-3 visibility failures