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Mazda
323
3,400 MOT tests analysed. runs below the UK fleet average — here's where 323s pass, fail, and end up on the retest sheet.
That's 11.0 points below the UK fleet average across our 1,984 tracked models — buyers should expect more first-time fails than the typical UK car.
Pass
66.5%
Pass-after-fix
4.2%
Fail
27.6%
Avg miles
84,698
Pass + Pass-after-fix + Fail = 100%
This model's production run straddles the January 2006 Euro 4 cutoff. Individual cars vary — check your registration plate on the government's ULEZ checker. Daily charges if driven in the zone: London £12.50 · Birmingham £8.00 .
The picture
323: a below-average pass rate worth digging into
Across 2,187 MOT tests, the 323 returns 65.3% first-time pass — well below the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is the strength or continuity of the load bearing. A torn suspension dust cover and a split CV-joint boot round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 83,510, which is the lens to read those failure rankings through. If you own one and the next test is close, the ranked list below is a sensible pre-test checklist.
ABI Insurance Group
Group 12–30
Around the UK fleet average for insurance cost. Lower groups cost less to insure; UK fleet average is around Group 22.
Source: ABI Group Rating Panel · administered by Thatcham Research · groups cover standard variants; performance trims may sit higher. Browse all insurance groups →
12–30
out of 50
Top ten reasons for rejection.
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- 01
The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired
413 occurrences · 12.1% of tests
- 02
A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot severely deteriorated
146 occurrences · 4.3% of tests
- 03
A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources
124 occurrences · 3.6% of tests
- 04
A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated
116 occurrences · 3.4% of tests
- 05
A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated
108 occurrences · 3.2% of tests
- 06
Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is seriously reduced
103 occurrences · 3.0% of tests
- 07
Body, cab or chassis excessively corroded at a mounting point
97 occurrences · 2.9% of tests
- 08
A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc
88 occurrences · 2.6% of tests
- 09
Headlamp reflector or lens slightly defective
86 occurrences · 2.5% of tests
- 10
The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any seat belt anchorage (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired
83 occurrences · 2.4% of tests
Counts cover Major and Dangerous defects logged at test. Advisory items excluded so this shows why a car was rejected, not just what the tester flagged in passing.
Worst-case fix budget · top 3 failures
£168–£515
If every one of this 323's most-logged Major fails hit at the same MOT, that's the real-world UK garage range. Reality is usually one or two items, not all of them. Open the estimator →
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Tools that pre-empt a retest.
Picked against this car's top failure patterns. Affiliate links to Amazon UK — we earn a small cut at no cost to you. Disclosed up-front, doesn't shape the data.
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Parts & supplies for this fix
Affiliate links — small commission, no extra cost to you.
Draper
Draper Drain Plug Key, 3/8 Square x 3/8 Sq. Dr.
£15.39
View at My Motor World →
Hycote
Hycote Mazda Silver Stone Double Acrylic Spray Paint 150ml
£6.59
View at My Motor World →
Autotek
Autotek Mazda Arctic White 300ml
£14.29
View at My Motor World →
Autotek
Autotek Mazda Brilliant Black 300ml
£14.29
View at My Motor World →
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Recall history
1 UK recall on record.
The 323 has 1 official UK vehicle recall covering defect details, remedies, and affected build dates.
Buying or keeping a 323?
Use the failure ranking as a pre-test checklist or a haggling lever. Treat the headline pass rate as a fleet-wide trend, not a guarantee on any individual car.
If you own a 323 and your last MOT looked nothing like the ranked failures above, that's normal — individual cars vary widely. The ranking shows the patterns testers flag most often across the country.