Honda Jazz MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 333,968 MOT tests on the Honda Jazz carried out in 2023. 25% failed at the first attempt, which is slightly below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 7 in 10 Jazzes passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2002 to 2021. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2011 models did best (77% passed, +14.1 points against the average for 12-year-old cars), while 2002 models fared worst (54%, −3.7 points). Tested cars had covered 59,343 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 10.4% of tests (roughly in line with the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 5.8% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 333,968
- First-time pass rate
- 75%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +3.4 points
- Average mileage at test
- 59,343
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Jazz?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Jazz 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 | 343 | 93% | 91% | +1.9 points | 21,266 |
| 2020 | 10,784 | 95% | 88% | +7.1 points | 14,659 |
| 2019 | 16,760 | 93% | 86% | +6.7 points | 18,642 |
| 2018 | 20,233 | 91% | 84% | +6.8 points | 24,897 |
| 2017 | 17,989 | 90% | 82% | +8.3 points | 28,911 |
| 2016 | 18,397 | 89% | 79% | +10.3 points | 33,978 |
| 2015 | 17,695 | 87% | 75% | +11.1 points | 39,321 |
| 2014 | 19,502 | 84% | 72% | +12.3 points | 46,135 |
| 2013 | 20,655 | 81% | 68% | +13.1 points | 53,017 |
| 2012 | 21,349 | 80% | 66% | +13.9 points | 59,133 |
| 2011 | 19,989 | 77% | 63% | +14.1 points | 65,344 |
| 2010 | 22,250 | 72% | 60% | +11.5 points | 73,060 |
| 2009 | 24,432 | 69% | 59% | +10.2 points | 76,905 |
| 2008 | 21,612 | 59% | 57% | +2.1 points | 79,597 |
| 2007 | 21,543 | 58% | 57% | +0.6 points | 82,027 |
| 2006 | 20,956 | 57% | 56% | +0.4 points | 85,558 |
| 2005 | 17,175 | 55% | 56% | −1.0 points | 91,191 |
| 2004 | 12,214 | 56% | 56% | +0.3 points | 91,675 |
| 2003 | 6,899 | 57% | 57% | −0.1 points | 94,401 |
| 2002 | 3,155 | 54% | 58% | −3.7 points | 98,203 |
Why the Honda Jazz fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Jazz | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 10.4% | 11.3% |
| Brakes | 8.2% | 6.8% |
| Suspension | 6.5% | 8.9% |
| Visibility | 5.1% | 4.8% |
| Tyres | 4.8% | 6.3% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 2.5% | 3.1% |
| Body and structure | 2.2% | 3.5% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.7% | 1.0% |
| Steering | 0.7% | 1.8% |
| Road Wheels | 0.3% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working5.8%
- 2does not clear the windscreen effectively3.2%
- 3less than 1.5 mm thick2.6%
- 4efficiency below requirements2.5%
- 5ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.1%
- 6excessively binding1.6%
- 7ball joint excessively worn1.4%
- 8tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.4%
- 9projected beam image is obviously incorrect1.3%
- 10prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength1.3%
Common Jazz MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Jazz, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 12.4% |
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 11.0% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 9.6% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 8.1% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 7.3% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 6.4% |
| excessively binding | Brakes | 3.5% |
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 3.0% |
| has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced | Lights and electrics | 2.9% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 2.8% |
Tips to help your Jazz pass
Based on where Jazzes most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 10.4% of Jazz 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 Jazz 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.
Visibility · 5.1% of Jazz tests
Clear the view
Replace wiper blades that smear, fill the washer bottle and get chips in the windscreen repaired early, especially in the area directly in front of the driver.
Compare with other models
Is the Jazz ULEZ compliant? See the Honda Jazz ULEZ check, or view all Honda models.
Other Honda models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 333,968 first MOT tests of the Honda Jazz 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 333,968 first MOT tests of the Honda Jazz.
What is the Honda Jazz MOT failure rate?
In our data, 25% of 333,968 first MOT attempts on the Honda Jazz ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Honda Jazz fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (10.4% of tests), brakes (8.2% of tests), suspension (6.5% of tests).
Which Jazz year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2011 cars performed best: 77% passed first time, +14.1 points against the average for 12-year-old cars. The weakest was 2002, at 54% (−3.7 points).
How many miles had a typical Honda Jazz covered at its MOT?
The average was 59,343 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2021 cars averaged 21,266 miles and 2002 cars 98,203.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Honda Jazz?
"has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure" was recorded on 12.4% of tests, in the tyres area. 4.8% of Jazzes failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Jazz's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 333,968 Jazzes in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 54% to 95% 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 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
- 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
Check any Jazz's MOT history
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