Motoring Today

Honda Civic MOT reliability

Reliability from 12 Honda Civic cars with real DVSA MOT history — how often they pass first time, the most common failure reasons.

Reviewed by the Motoring Today Editorial team · methodology in our editorial standards.

How reliable is the Honda Civic at MOT?

Across 2 Honda Civic cars on Motoring Today, the average first-time MOT pass rate is 0%. 100% of stock currently holds a valid MOT, with a median of 4 months left on the certificate. The most common reasons these cars fail an MOT are brakes, tyres and visibility (windscreen & wipers), from real DVSA test history.

Avg pass rate
0%
Valid MOT
2 / 2
Median MOT left
4 mo
Top failure
Brakes

With 3 Honda Civics currently available on Motoring Today, the model’s reliability on UK roads can be assessed through its MOT pass rate. From 294,000 national DVSA MOT tests, the Honda Civic achieves a pass rate of 74.61%. The most common failure category, accounting for 39% of all failures, is 'Lighting & electrical', followed by 'Suspension' (19%) and 'Brakes' (15%). These figures highlight key areas to inspect when considering a used Civic. For potential buyers, the prevalence of 'Lighting & electrical' issues suggests checking all exterior and interior lights, indicators, and warning lamps are fully functional. 'Suspension' failures often relate to worn bushes, shock absorbers, or springs, which can impact ride comfort and handling, so listen for knocks and test for excessive bounce. 'Brakes' commonly fail due to worn pads, discs, or seized callipers, making a thorough inspection of the braking system crucial for safety before purchase. It's important to remember that an MOT pass rate reflects a car's condition at the time of testing, not its lifetime reliability. Failures frequently cluster with a vehicle's age and how well it has been maintained, rather than being an inherent flaw of the badge. The cheapest Honda Civic currently available on Motoring Today is £6,980, with representative monthly finance from £244.

0First-time MOT pass
Average pass rate
Stock with valid MOT
2 / 2
100% road-ready
Median MOT left
4 mo
Expiring < 2 mo
0
Plan for an MOT soon after purchase

Most common MOT failures on the Honda Civic

Grouped reasons for MOT rejection across 12 Honda Civic cars with DVSA test history in our stock (17 recorded failure items, 7 of them dangerous).

Failure areaRecorded failuresShare of failures
Brakes635%
Tyres424%
Visibility (windscreen & wipers)424%
Lighting & electrical16%
Steering16%
Drivetrain16%

Based on real DVSA MOT test records for cars currently listed. Individual condition varies — always check the specific car's MOT history and advisories on its listing.

MOT pass rate is the percentage of Honda Civic cars in our stock that passed their most recent MOT on the first attempt, based on DVSA history. A pass rate above 80% is generally strong for a car of this age.

If a car you're viewing is approaching its MOT expiry, factor in the cost of any advisories — these are listed on each vehicle detail page.

Frequently asked questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a used Honda Civic?
Based on real national DVSA MOT tests, the Honda Civic has a pass rate of 74.61%. This figure is derived from 293,951 tests conducted across the UK.
What are the most common MOT failures on a Honda Civic?
The top failure categories for the Honda Civic are Lighting & electrical at 39%, Suspension at 19%, Brakes at 15%, and Tyres at 10%.
Is the Honda Civic a reliable car?
While the Honda Civic generally has a good reputation, an MOT pass rate reflects its condition when presented for a test, not necessarily its overall lifetime reliability. Failures can often increase with vehicle age and inadequate maintenance.
What should I check before buying a used Honda Civic?
Before buying, pay close attention to the lighting and electrical systems, suspension components for any knocking or unusual noises, the condition of the brakes including discs and pads, and the tread and condition of the tyres, as these are common MOT failure points.
How many Honda Civics are currently for sale and what's the cheapest price?
There are currently 3 Honda Civics for sale. The cheapest available price is £6,980, with a representative finance example of £244 per month, subject to status.
What are the most common MOT failures on the Honda Civic?
Across 12 Honda Civic cars on Motoring Today with DVSA MOT history, the most common reasons for MOT failure are brakes, tyres and visibility (windscreen & wipers) (brakes account for 35% of recorded failures).

More Honda Civic resources