MOT performance
Citroen C3 Aircross vs Mazda CX-3: MOT pass rates compared
In 2023–2024, 85.7% of 54,618 Citroen C3 Aircross MOT tests and 86.2% of 50,909 Mazda CX-3 tests passed first time, a gap within the statistical margin of the two samples. Once age, mileage and fuel are allowed for, the Mazda CX-3 fails less often than the Citroen C3 Aircross: 0.80× against 1.06× the national rate for comparable cars.
54,618 Citroen C3 Aircross and 50,909 Mazda CX-3 MOT tests, 2023–2024
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| Figure | Value | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Citroen C3 Aircross: first-time pass rate | 85.7% | ±0.3 pts (95%), n = 54,618 |
| Mazda CX-3: first-time pass rate | 86.2% | ±0.3 pts (95%), n = 50,909 |
| Citroen C3 Aircross: failures vs similar cars | +6% | same age, mileage and fuel = 1.00 |
| Mazda CX-3: failures vs similar cars | -20% | same age, mileage and fuel = 1.00 |
| Citroen C3 Aircross: dangerous defect | 4.8% | n = 54,618 |
| Mazda CX-3: dangerous defect | 4.4% | n = 50,909 |
| Average age at test | 3.9 vs 5.4 years | Citroen C3 Aircross vs Mazda CX-3 |
Why the raw pass rates can mislead
The Mazda CX-3 was tested at an older average age (5.4 years against 3.9), and older cars fail more often whatever they are. That is why the table above also shows failures against cars of the same age, mileage and fuel: it compares the models, not their fleets.
Failure areas side by side
Share of MOT tests that failed on each area, and in brackets how that compares with cars of the same age, mileage and fuel (1.00 = national average). The clearest difference is body, chassis and structure, where the Citroen C3 Aircross fails 37.5 times as often on an adjusted basis.
| Area | Citroen C3 Aircross | Mazda CX-3 |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 4.3% (+84%) | 3.0% (-7%) |
| Steering | 0.1% (-73%) | 0.1% (-92%) |
| Suspension | 0.7% (-39%) | 2.0% (-30%) |
| Tyres | 4.2% (-9%) | 4.2% (-22%) |
| Road wheels | 0.0% (-95%) | 0.1% (-51%) |
| Lights, reflectors and electrical | 2.6% (-14%) | 2.1% (-51%) |
| Body, chassis and structure | 3.1% (+651%) | 0.2% (-80%) |
| Driver's view of the road | 1.6% (-52%) | 3.1% (-10%) |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.7% (+16%) | 0.3% (-69%) |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.4% (+18%) | 1.4% (+311%) |
| Registration plates and VIN | 0.1% (-63%) | 0.1% (-36%) |
Pass rate at the same age
Comparing cars of the same age removes most of the fleet-age effect from the raw rates.
| Age at test | Citroen C3 Aircross | Mazda CX-3 |
|---|---|---|
| 3-4 years | 87.7% (n = 29,795) | 90.2% (n = 17,008) |
| 5-6 years | 80.9% (n = 17,499) | 86.8% (n = 20,421) |
Most common failure item
- Citroen C3 Aircross · joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.07% of tests)
- Mazda CX-3 · wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively (2.16% of tests)
MOT results reflect how cars are maintained as well as how they are built, so a gap between two models is a difference in test performance, not proof that one is more reliable. For one car, its own MOT history says more than any average.
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About this data. These are MOT test results, not a measure of mechanical reliability: a car's MOT outcome reflects its condition on the day, which depends on how it has been maintained and driven as well as how it was built. Figures cover class 4 vehicles (cars and light vans), normal tests only (retests excluded), outcomes pass, fail and pass after rectification at the station; vehicles at least 2.5 years old at test. Tests from 2023-01-01 to 2024-12-30. “Compared with similar cars” means compared with the national rate for cars of the same age, mileage band and fuel. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Makes and models are matched to 73 Auto's vehicle catalogue; tests that can't be matched are left out rather than guessed. See how the MOT figures are produced.