Known APK problem

Mazda Mazda3 (BL): steering

On the Mazda Mazda3 (BL) the APK inspector finds steering problems 50% more often than on cars of the same age: at 13–15 years 1.7%, against about 1.1% nationally.

Window: Oct 2025 – Sep 2026 · Updated: 16 Oct 2026

What is it?

Play or leaks in the steering rack, tie rods or power steering.

Repair indication: largea substantial repair; have a garage look first.

How to check it at the viewing

Turn the wheel while stationary: no play, knocking or heavy spot. On the test drive the car should keep running straight.

Ask the seller: Has any work been done on the steering rack or tie rod ends?

By age

Share of inspected Mazda Mazda3 (BL)s with this defect, compared with all cars of the same age.

Age	Type	Mazda3 (BL)	95%-CI	National	Difference	n
11 – 12 years	B	1.1%	0.5 – 2.5%	1.1%	1.0×	470
13 – 15 years	A	0.5%	0.3 – 0.9%	1.3%	0.4×	2,154
13 – 15 years	B	1.7%	1.2 – 2.3%	1.1%	1.5×	2,154
16+ years	A	0.4%	0.2 – 0.9%	2.0%	0.2×	1,319
16+ years	B	1.8%	1.2 – 2.7%	2.0%	0.9×	1,319

A = structure, safety or costly mechanics; B = fail, usually simple; C = advisory. An age is missing when this defect is not among the most common there.

Comparable cars at 13–15 years

Model	Steering	Vs. national
Mazda Mazda3 (BL)	1.7%	1.5×
Citroën C4 Picasso I	0.5%	0.4×
Hyundai i30 I	1.9%	1.6×
Mercedes-Benz B-Klasse W245	0.3%	0.2×
Daihatsu Cuore (L276)	0.3%	0.3×
Peugeot 206+	2.5%	2.0×

Looking at a Mazda Mazda3 (BL)? Check that car

Enter the plate and see the APK history, open recalls and how this car compares with other Mazda Mazda3 (BL)s of the same age.

All weak spots of the Mazda Mazda3 (BL) · Steering: which models more often · Checklist for this model

Frequently asked questions

Does the Mazda Mazda3 (BL) often have steering problems?

Yes, more often than average at the APK. At 13–15 years the inspector found a steering defect on 1.7% of inspected Mazda Mazda3 (BL)s, against about 1.1% of all cars of the same age (1.5×). Source: RDW Open Data, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026.

How do you check the steering on a used Mazda Mazda3 (BL)?

Turn the wheel while stationary: no play, knocking or heavy spot. On the test drive the car should keep running straight.

Repair indication: small, medium or large. An indication of the usual repair, not a quote: the real cost depends on the car, the cause and the garage.

Source: RDW Open Data (CC0), analysis CarXray.nl. 6,857,004 inspected passenger cars aged 3 years and older, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026. Each car counts once. How we know