Motoring Today

Honda Civic MOT reliability

Reliability from 11 Honda Civic cars with real DVSA MOT history — how often they pass first time, the most common failure reasons, and how much MOT life is left.

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

How reliable is the Honda Civic at MOT?

Across 3 Honda Civic cars on Motoring Today, the average first-time MOT pass rate is 84%. 100% of stock currently holds a valid MOT, with a median of 9 months left on the certificate. The most common reasons these cars fail an MOT are tyres, visibility (windscreen & wipers) and brakes, from real DVSA test history.

Avg pass rate
84%
Valid MOT
3 / 3
Median MOT left
9 mo
Top failure
Tyres

With 3 Honda Civic models currently available on Motoring Today, you can explore options starting from £9,999, or a representative monthly finance example of £226. Drawing from 293,951 real UK MOT tests, the Honda Civic has a national pass rate of 74.61%. While respectable, this figure reflects cars presented for test, not necessarily their lifetime reliability, as failures often correlate with vehicle age and maintenance rather than the badge itself. The most frequent reasons for MOT failure for the Honda Civic cluster around a few key areas. Lighting & electrical issues top the list, accounting for 39% of all failures. This is followed by suspension components at 19%, and brakes at 15%. For a used car buyer, this highlights crucial inspection points. Before purchasing, pay close attention to all exterior and interior lights, ensure indicators work correctly, and check for dashboard warning lights. Likewise, listen for unusual noises from the suspension over bumps and check brake performance and condition. These failure trends suggest practical checks for anyone considering a used Civic. While an MOT pass rate is a valuable indicator, it's vital to remember that these statistics reflect the condition of vehicles at a specific point in time. Diligent maintenance and careful ownership play a significant role in a car's long-term reliability and MOT performance.

84First-time MOT pass
Average pass rate
Stock with valid MOT
3 / 3
100% road-ready
Median MOT left
9 mo
Expiring < 2 mo
1
Plan for an MOT soon after purchase

Most common MOT failures on the Honda Civic

Grouped reasons for MOT rejection across 11 Honda Civic cars with DVSA test history in our stock (13 recorded failure items, 6 of them dangerous).

Failure areaRecorded failuresShare of failures
Tyres431%
Visibility (windscreen & wipers)431%
Brakes431%
Lighting & electrical18%

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 293951 real national DVSA MOT tests, the Honda Civic has an MOT pass rate of 74.61%.
What are the most common MOT failures on a Honda Civic?
The primary reasons for MOT failure on a Honda Civic are Lighting & electrical (39%), Suspension (19%), Brakes (15%), and Tyres (10%).
Is the Honda Civic reliable?
While the MOT pass rate gives an indication, it primarily reflects cars presented for test. Overall reliability can also be influenced by the vehicle's age, mileage, and maintenance history, as failures often cluster with age and neglect rather than inherent design flaws.
What should I check before buying a used Honda Civic?
Before purchasing, pay close attention to the lighting and electrical systems, suspension components, brakes, and tyres, as these are the most common MOT failure points for the Honda Civic.
How many Honda Civics are for sale now and what's the cheapest price?
There are currently 4 Honda Civics for sale, with the cheapest available from £7992.
What are the most common MOT failures on the Honda Civic?
Across 11 Honda Civic cars on Motoring Today with DVSA MOT history, the most common reasons for MOT failure are tyres, visibility (windscreen & wipers) and brakes (tyres account for 31% of recorded failures).

More Honda Civic resources