Honda Civic MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 297,276 MOT tests on the Honda Civic carried out in 2023. 33% failed at the first attempt, which is noticeably above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 7 in 10 Civics passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1989 to 2021. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2012 models did best (74% passed, +8.4 points against the average for 11-year-old cars), while 1997 models fared worst (57%, −7.6 points). Tested cars had covered 87,490 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 17.6% of tests (noticeably above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 9.4% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 297,276
- First-time pass rate
- 67%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −4.3 points
- Average mileage at test
- 87,490
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Civic?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Civic MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 196 | 92% | 91% | +1.5 points | 22,651 |
| 2020 | 5,736 | 92% | 88% | +4.5 points | 22,546 |
| 2019 | 12,837 | 89% | 86% | +3.3 points | 30,516 |
| 2018 | 13,702 | 86% | 84% | +1.6 points | 38,395 |
| 2017 | 14,724 | 86% | 82% | +3.8 points | 43,955 |
| 2016 | 16,224 | 85% | 79% | +6.1 points | 54,890 |
| 2015 | 15,078 | 82% | 75% | +6.9 points | 64,790 |
| 2014 | 14,495 | 79% | 72% | +7.4 points | 73,210 |
| 2013 | 15,491 | 76% | 68% | +7.8 points | 83,033 |
| 2012 | 13,361 | 74% | 66% | +8.4 points | 86,313 |
| 2011 | 11,455 | 60% | 63% | −3.3 points | 86,069 |
| 2010 | 17,552 | 58% | 60% | −2.3 points | 98,741 |
| 2009 | 20,587 | 57% | 59% | −2.5 points | 105,743 |
| 2008 | 23,602 | 56% | 57% | −1.0 points | 113,261 |
| 2007 | 26,467 | 56% | 57% | −1.1 points | 118,135 |
| 2006 | 17,745 | 55% | 56% | −1.5 points | 121,856 |
| 2005 | 14,629 | 56% | 56% | +0.2 points | 106,664 |
| 2004 | 12,310 | 56% | 56% | −0.1 points | 109,022 |
| 2003 | 9,077 | 54% | 57% | −2.7 points | 105,360 |
| 2002 | 7,927 | 54% | 58% | −3.2 points | 107,284 |
| 2001 | 5,499 | 54% | 59% | −4.4 points | 100,957 |
| 2000 | 2,108 | 61% | 61% | +0.0 points | 95,449 |
| 1999 | 1,763 | 63% | 62% | +0.0 points | 96,961 |
| 1998 | 1,278 | 59% | 64% | −4.4 points | 97,022 |
| 1997 | 1,046 | 57% | 64% | −7.6 points | 95,301 |
| 1996 | 709 | 62% | 65% | −3.2 points | 98,480 |
| 1995 | 455 | 69% | 66% | +2.3 points | 97,083 |
| 1994 | 258 | 65% | 66% | −1.3 points | 90,688 |
| 1993 | 219 | 70% | 67% | +3.1 points | 97,189 |
| 1992 | 203 | 74% | 68% | +6.4 points | 102,058 |
| 1991 | 234 | 69% | 70% | −0.7 points | 111,160 |
| 1990 | 126 | 75% | 71% | +3.6 points | 95,874 |
| 1989 | 81 | 73% | 72% | +1.1 points | 99,533 |
Why the Honda Civic fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Civic | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 17.6% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 10.7% | 8.9% |
| Brakes | 8.2% | 6.8% |
| Tyres | 6.4% | 6.3% |
| Visibility | 5.4% | 4.8% |
| Body and structure | 3.1% | 3.5% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.0% | 3.1% |
| Steering | 1.8% | 1.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 1.1% | 1.0% |
| Road Wheels | 0.4% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working9.4%
- 2projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.7%
- 3ball joint excessively worn2.9%
- 4tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.7%
- 5less than 1.5 mm thick2.7%
- 6ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.5%
- 7does not clear the windscreen effectively2.3%
- 8has a serious fluid leak2.1%
- 9not working on dipped beam2.1%
- 10provides insufficient washer liquid2.0%
Common Civic MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Civic, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 15.7% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 10.1% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 9.4% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 8.4% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 6.5% |
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 5.0% |
| has a serious fluid leak | Suspension | 4.8% |
| inscription illegible | Number plates and VIN | 4.5% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 4.2% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.0% |
Tips to help your Civic pass
Based on where Civics most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 17.6% of Civic tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Brakes · 8.2% of Civic tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Compare with other models
Is the Civic ULEZ compliant? See the Honda Civic ULEZ check, or view all Honda models.
Other Honda models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 297,276 first MOT tests of the Honda Civic carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 297,276 first MOT tests of the Honda Civic.
What is the Honda Civic MOT failure rate?
In our data, 33% of 297,276 first MOT attempts on the Honda Civic ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Honda Civic fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (17.6% of tests), suspension (10.7% of tests), brakes (8.2% of tests).
Which Civic year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2012 cars performed best: 74% passed first time, +8.4 points against the average for 11-year-old cars. The weakest was 1997, at 57% (−7.6 points).
How many miles had a typical Honda Civic covered at its MOT?
The average was 87,490 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2021 cars averaged 22,651 miles and 1989 cars 99,533.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Honda Civic?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 15.7% of tests, in the tyres area. 6.4% of Civics failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Civic's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 297,276 Civics in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 54% to 92% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.Read the guide
Check any Civic's MOT history
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