2018 Mazda 3 2.0L Petrol · SN18 ULE

This 2018 Mazda 3 passed its most recent MOT on 16 February 2026 at 54,667 miles, but the test result masks a significant underlying concern: the vehicle failed its previous MOT attempt just six days earlier due to excessively corroded front brake pipes. The defect was apparently remedied between the failed test and the retest, but the speed of that retest and the nature of the failure suggests either urgent patching rather than thorough repair, or that corrosion was simply cleaned and greased rather than properly replaced. The MOT history reveals a clear and worsening corrosion pattern across the braking system and subframes. In February 2026, both front and rear brake pipes showed active corrosion; the rear pipe was greased, and the front pipe was excessively corroded on the failed test. Brake discs are also worn and pitted across all inner faces. At the January 2025 MOT, brake pads were recorded as wearing thin. This is not a stable picture: over the course of roughly one year, the braking system has deteriorated from thin pads to corroded pipes and worn, pitted discs. The front sub-frame and rear sub-frame are both corroded but not yet seriously weakened, yet corrosion on structural components tends to accelerate once it takes hold, especially if the vehicle has been exposed to salt or poor drainage. Front tyres are wearing on the edge and close to the legal limit as of the most recent test. This can indicate either normal wear or alignment issues; either way, replacement is imminent.