Mazda 3 TS2 Reliability, MOT Pass Rate & Common Faults
Free Mazda 3 TS2 car check
Is the Mazda 3 TS2 reliable? We analysed 902 real MOT tests across 167 vehicles to find out.
Got a specific Mazda 3 TS2? Enter the reg for a free check:
The Mazda 3 TS2 is above average for reliability based on real UK MOT data. Common problems include tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm, position lamp(s) not working and stop lamp not working. Here's everything you need to know before buying a used Mazda 3 TS2.
Mazda 3 TS2 Number Plates
Number plates registered to a Mazda 3 TS2. Click on any registration for full vehicle details — including MOT history, mileage records, previous owners and damage history.
Mazda 3 TS2 MOT Pass Rate by Year
How likely is a Mazda 3 TS2 to pass its MOT? Here's the pass rate for each registration year, newest first.
Mazda 3 TS2 Problems — What Goes Wrong?
The most common reasons a Mazda 3 TS2 fails its MOT, ranked by how often they occur. Check for these problems before you buy.
Mazda 3 TS2 Common Faults & Problems
These are the most common serious faults found on Mazda 3 TS2 models during MOT testing — flagged as dangerous or major failures that need immediate attention.
Mazda 3 TS2 Mileage — What's Normal?
How many miles does a typical Mazda 3 TS2 owner drive per year? Use this to check if a car you're looking at has suspiciously low or high mileage.
Mazda 3 TS2 MOT Data by Registration Year
Full breakdown of pass rate and mileage for each year. Use this to compare the Mazda 3 TS2 year you're looking at.
| Year | Tests | Pass Rate | Low Mi. | Typical Mi. | High Mi. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 74 | 75.7% | 40,374 | 58,855 | 84,912 |
Mazda 3 TS2 Mileage Distribution
Total mileage recorded across all Mazda 3 TS2 MOT tests. If the car you're looking at is above the 75th percentile, it's done more miles than most.
Best Year to Buy a Used Mazda 3 TS2
Based on MOT pass rates across all registration years with sufficient test data.
75.7% MOT pass rate from 74 tests
The best year to buy a used Mazda 3 TS2 is 2004, which has the highest MOT pass rate at 75.7% across 74 tests.
How Does the Mazda 3 TS2 Compare?
MOT pass rates compared to similar models. Click any model for the full breakdown.
| Model | Pass Rate | Tests | Typical Mileage | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda 3 TS2 THIS CAR | 80.3% | 902 | 85,616 mi | 22 yrs |
| Mazda MX-5 | 76.5% | 2,502,760 | 63,190 mi | 36 yrs |
| Mazda 3 | 77.5% | 2,040,939 | 61,041 mi | 22 yrs |
| Mazda 6 | 75.4% | 1,904,140 | 77,387 mi | 24 yrs |
| MG ZS Limited Edition Auto | 84.9% | 602 | 27,477 mi | — yrs |
Compared to the Mazda MX-5 (76.5% pass rate) and the Mazda 3 (77.5% pass rate), the Mazda 3 TS2 outperforms both on MOT reliability.
Found a Mazda 3 TS2 you like?
Run a full vehicle history check on the specific car. See finance, stolen, write-off, mileage and MOT data for that exact vehicle.
Check a specific Mazda 3 TS2Should you buy a used Mazda 3 TS2?
The Mazda 3 TS2 has an overall MOT pass rate of 80.3% across 902 real MOT tests — comfortably above the UK average, which puts it among the more reliable models on UK roads.
The most common problems on the Mazda 3 TS2 are tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (8 recorded failures), position lamp(s) not working (4), and stop lamp not working (3). These are the faults most likely to cause an MOT failure on this model, so check for them carefully on any test drive or pre-purchase inspection. Many are wear-and-tear items that can be budgeted for, but a car that's already failing on multiple fronts may signal neglected maintenance.
On the safety side, the most frequently flagged dangerous fault is tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. Dangerous faults cause an immediate MOT failure and mean the vehicle is not roadworthy until repaired. If you're viewing a Mazda 3 TS2 with an expired or recently passed MOT, ask the seller whether any dangerous faults were found and fixed during the last test.
A typical Mazda 3 TS2 owner drives around 5,942 miles per year. If the car you're looking at is significantly above this, expect more wear on suspension, brakes and tyres. If it's well below, the vehicle may have been sitting unused — check for perished rubber, corroded discs and stale fluids.
In terms of longevity, most Mazda 3 TS2 models stay on UK roads for around 22 years — a strong showing that suggests solid build quality and readily available parts. If you're buying one that's already approaching that window, the data suggests it has plenty of life left provided it's been maintained.
Before committing to a purchase, we recommend running a full vehicle history check on the specific car. This will reveal any outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies that the seller may not disclose — and that the MOT data alone can't tell you.