Mazda 3: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 21,979 Mazda 3 cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 2003 and 2026.
In a sample of 397 cars, 48.9% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, about as often as average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre pressure incorrect (12.3% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 21 recalls for this model; 7.5% of registered cars still have an open recall.
1.4% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Mazda 3
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 12.3% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 9.1% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 8.6% |
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 8.3% |
| Spring broken or cracked | 6% |
| Tyre damaged | 5.5% |
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 5% |
| Stub axle (kingpin) has too much play | 3.8% |
| Brake disc badly corroded | 3% |
| Position light not working (properly) | 2.8% |
Share of 397 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 9.6% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 6% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 1% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 0.8% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 21,979 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 7.5% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 1.4% |
| Used as a taxi | 0% |
| First registered | 2003 to 2026 |
All Mazda 3 passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-12-11 | other | – | 157 |
| 2021-07-19 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | – | 5,751 |
| 2020-01-24 | electrical system | serious | 2,783 |
| 2020-01-24 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 895 |
| 2019-12-02 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 645 |
| 2019-08-08 | axles, wheels and tyres | serious | 373 |
| 2019-08-08 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | – | 216 |
| 2019-08-08 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 939 |
| 2019-07-01 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 4,568 |
| 2019-05-23 | windows and wipers | serious | 1,724 |
| 2018-11-05 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 2,207 |
| 2018-11-05 | other | serious | 1,161 |
| 2018-11-05 | other | serious | 46 |
| 2018-05-16 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 475 |
| 2017-06-19 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 269 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Mazda 3 fail the APK?
In a sample of 397 cars first registered 2012–2021, 48.9% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Mazda 3?
The most common APK defects are: tyre pressure incorrect (12.3%), dipped beam incorrectly aimed (9.1%), wipers give insufficient visibility (8.6%).
Does the Mazda 3 have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 21 recalls. 7.5% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Mazda models
CX-5 · 2 · CX-3 · 6 · CX-30 · MX-5 · 5 · CX-60 · MX-30 · Demio
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.