Known APK problem
Mazda Mazda3 (BM/BN): springs and shock absorbers
On the Mazda Mazda3 (BM/BN) the APK inspector finds springs and shock absorbers problems 4.6× as often as on cars of the same age: at 11–12 years 6.4%, against about 1.4% nationally.
Window: Oct 2025 – Sep 2026 · Updated: 16 Oct 2026
What is it?
Broken springs or leaking shock absorbers.
How to check it at the viewing
Push each corner down firmly: the car should rebound once. Look for oil on the dampers and whether the car sits level.
Ask the seller: Have the shock absorbers or springs ever been replaced?
By age
Share of inspected Mazda Mazda3 (BM/BN)s with this defect, compared with all cars of the same age.
| Age | Type | Mazda3 (BM/BN) | National | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 – 8 years | A | 3.1% | 0.4% | 8.3× |
| 7 – 8 years | B | 0.4% | 0.2% | 2.5× |
| 9 – 10 years | A | 3.3% | 0.8% | 4.1× |
| 9 – 10 years | B | 0.6% | 0.3% | 2.0× |
| 9 – 10 years | C | 0.3% | 0.7% | 0.4× |
| 11 – 12 years | A | 6.4% | 1.4% | 4.6× |
| 11 – 12 years | B | 0.8% | 0.5% | 1.7× |
| 11 – 12 years | C | 0.7% | 1.0% | 0.7× |
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 11–12 years
| Model | Springs and shock absorbers | Vs. national |
|---|---|---|
| Mazda Mazda3 (BM/BN) | 6.4% | 4.6× |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse S205 | 1.3% | 1.0× |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W212/S212 | 1.0% | 0.7× |
| Hyundai i30 II | 0.8% | 0.6× |
| Opel Astra J Sports Tourer / GTC | 3.1% | 2.3× |
| Toyota Prius III | 0.2% | 0.5× |
Looking at a Mazda Mazda3 (BM/BN)? Check that car
Enter the plate and see the APK history, open recalls and how this car compares with other Mazda Mazda3 (BM/BN)s of the same age.
All weak spots of the Mazda Mazda3 (BM/BN) · Springs and shock absorbers: which models more often · Checklist for this model
Frequently asked questions
Does the Mazda Mazda3 (BM/BN) often have springs and shock absorbers problems?
Yes, more often than average at the APK. At 11–12 years the inspector found a springs and shock absorbers defect on 6.4% of inspected Mazda Mazda3 (BM/BN)s, against about 1.4% of all cars of the same age (4.6×). Source: RDW Open Data, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026.
How do you check the springs and shock absorbers on a used Mazda Mazda3 (BM/BN)?
Push each corner down firmly: the car should rebound once. Look for oil on the dampers and whether the car sits level.
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