Mazda 323
Registered from 1986 to 2003.
What fails its inspection
Great Britain's MOT record for the 2003 1.6 petrol. 99 of 310 tests failed, 32%.
Better than 15% of 2003 cars. The typical one fails 28%, across 639 models with enough tests behind them to say.
| Where | Share of failures | Failed tests |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 61% | 60 |
| Brakes | 36% | 36 |
| Lights and electrics | 29% | 29 |
| Body and structure | 25% | 25 |
| Tyres and wheels | 20% | 20 |
| Visibility | 19% | 19 |
The defects inspectors cite
- 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
- A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn
- A suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc
- A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
- Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement
- A brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm
Before you buy one
Built from what this car fails on, not from general knowledge of the model.
- Suspension — 61% of its failures
- 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
- A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn
- A suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc
- Brakes — 36% of its failures
- Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement
- A brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm
- Tyres and wheels — 20% of its failures
- Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements
- Lights and electrics — 29% of its failures
- A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
- Body and structure — 25% of its failures
- 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
- Visibility — 19% of its failures
When it starts failing
At 100–120k miles this one fails 43% of its inspections, against the 29% an ordinary car of the same age fails.
| Odometer | Failure rate | Rate | Its age | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40–60k miles | 32% | 22% | 85 | |
| 60–80k miles | 28% | 25% | 78 | |
| 80–100k miles | 36% | 28% | 69 | |
| 100–120k miles | 43% | 29% | 40 |
272 British inspections, grouped by the odometer reading recorded at the test.
Half of these have more than 60k miles on them. That is how far people drive this car, not how long it lasts.
Recalls
Filed by the manufacturer with a regulator. A recall is repaired free of charge, whoever owns the car now.
A12/00507/22
In some ignition switches, too much grease have been applied to certain contact points. For a vehicle used under these conditions this can lead to carbonisation of the grease if and therefore to an increased risk of fire. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/1298/16
Over the time, the contact points inside the ignition switch may become carbonized and become conductive to electricity. As a result the ignition switch could overheat, leading to the risk of a fire.
Recall of the product from end users