2012 Mazda 3 1.6L Petrol · NL12 ADX
2012 Mazda 3 (1.6L, petrol). First registered 01 Mar 2012. Recorded mileage 106,720 miles. MOT expired on 15 Jul 2026.
- Make & Model
- MAZDA 3
- Year / Origin
- 2012 · Newcastle
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 15 Jul 2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 106,720 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
NL12 ADX Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 16/07/2025
- 106,720 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
NL12 ADX MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2012 Mazda 3 (NL12 ADX) between June 2023 and July 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 16 July 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (4 issues), Tyres (4 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (3 issues), Steering (3 issues), Suspension (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 11 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))”; “Exhaust emissions likely to be affected by an exhaust leak (8.2.1.1 (b))”; “Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”.
NL12 ADX Mileage History
- 23/06/202377,449 mi
- 25/06/202491,364 mi+13,915 mi
- 17/07/202491,546 mi+182 mi
- 15/07/2025106,708 mi+15,162 mi
- 16/07/2025106,720 mi+12 mi
Average of roughly 14,181 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
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Dimensions & Weights
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Known faults for Mazda Mazda 3 (BL)
Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Poor
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
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Digital Service History
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MAZDA 3 Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2012 model year cars.
- 2.2 MZR-CD Diesel Timing Chain Stretch and WearSerious
The 2.2-litre MZR-CD turbodiesel engine utilizes a single timing chain that is prone to premature wear and elongation. The problem is severely exacerbated by engine oil dilution caused by uncompleted DPF regeneration cycles, where unburnt diesel fuel washes down the cylinder bores into the sump and thins the lubricating oil. Mazda's engine management system actively measures camshaft-to-crankshaft synchronisation; when chain elongation exceeds 10.45 degrees of crankshaft rotation, the ECU illuminates the DPF warning light in a flashing sequence and logs diagnostic trouble code P0168. If ignored, the chain can jump teeth or snap, resulting in catastrophic piston-to-valve collision.
- Variable Plastic Intake Manifold Runner Shutter Flap RattleModerate
Naturally aspirated 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre MZR petrol engines feature a variable-length composite plastic intake manifold equipped with internal tumble/shutter swirl flaps. Over time, engine oil fumes, thermal cycling, and high mileage wear out the plastic bushings supporting the flap operating rod. As the clearance widens, the shutter valves vibrate violently in the incoming airflow, generating a persistent diesel-like tapping or ticking noise from the top of the engine that is often mistaken for worn valve lifters. In severe cases, the plastic flaps can fragment and risk being ingested into the cylinder head, leading owners to fit a replacement manifold or remove the flaps.
- ABS Hydraulic Modulator Pump Valve Failure and Sticking CalipersModerate
The second-generation Mazda 3 frequently experiences internal valve failure within the hydraulic ABS modulator pump unit. Moisture accumulation in neglected brake fluid leads to internal corrosion of the miniature solenoid valves, causing the ABS and DSC traction control warning lights to illuminate permanently, which constitutes an immediate MOT failure in the UK. Concurrently, sliding guide pins on the single-piston rear brake calipers are prone to seizing inside their rubber boots due to British road grit and salt. The seized caliper causes brake drag, overheating the rear discs, destroying the friction pads, and increasing fuel consumption.
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