Honda Accord MOT Failures
An analysis of 169,811 real DVSA MOT tests on the Honda Accord — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: CG (1997–2002), CL (2002–2008), CU (2008–2015).
Where the Honda Accord fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the Honda Accord is anti-roll bar links worn — this model is 92 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it a major concern for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 169,811 MOT tests, 7% of all Honda Accord tests recorded this as a failure.
Suspension failures typically mean worn bushes, drop links, or dampers. These affect handling and tyre wear. Budget £150–£400 per corner at an independent garage for full suspension overhaul.
Other notable weak points include emissions failure (51x the fleet average), steering rack wear (19x the fleet average), light unit fault (20x the fleet average), and headlight fault (51x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Honda Accord's failure rate on each item against the national average for all cars tested — a ratio of 10x means this model fails ten times more often than a typical car.
The failures span 5 categories: Suspension, Exhaust & Emissions, Steering, Lights & Electrics, Brakes. If you're inspecting a Honda Accord before purchase, these are the areas to focus on — and if any have been flagged as advisories on a previous MOT, they're likely to become failures in the near future.
How failures change with mileage
The Honda Accord's weak points shift as the car covers more miles. Understanding these patterns helps you know what to expect — and what to budget for — at each stage of ownership.
Under 60,000 miles
At this mileage, most failures are either design-related or caused by age rather than wear. Components like bushes and drop links may not have been replaced yet, and original-fit parts can deteriorate even on low-mileage cars that spend a lot of time sitting.
For the Honda Accord specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are anti-roll bar links worn (54x the average) and headlight fault (51x). emissions failure (51x) and subframe bushes or mounts worn (28x) also appear frequently.
60,000 to 100,000 miles
This is where routine wear items start to show up. Brake components, tyres, and exhaust parts have done serious work by this point. Cars that have been well serviced will show fewer of these failures — this mileage band is where good maintenance really separates the well-kept from the neglected.
For the Honda Accord specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are anti-roll bar links worn (65x the average) and emissions failure (28x). light unit fault (20x) and steering rack wear (19x) also appear frequently.
Over 100,000 miles
High-mileage cars accumulate failures across multiple systems. The key question isn't whether things will need doing — they will — but whether the car has been maintained well enough to keep on top of them. Look for a consistent service history and recent MOT passes with minimal advisories.
For the Honda Accord specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are coil springs broken (36x the average) and anti-roll bar links worn (19x). emissions failure (17x) and transmission shaft bent or badly damaged (17x) also appear frequently.
The shift from anti-roll bar links worn at lower mileages to coil springs broken at higher mileages is typical — early failures tend to be design or factory-related, while high-mileage failures reflect accumulated mechanical wear. A car that's been well maintained will usually dodge the worst of both.
Known issues beyond the MOT
An MOT only tests roadworthiness at a single point in time — it won't catch developing faults, intermittent problems, or issues that haven't yet reached the failure threshold. These are the issues that Honda Accord specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.
Subframe corrosion (CL/CM) Major
The rear subframe mounting points are prone to severe corrosion where the subframe bolts to the main body shell. Affects CL/CM; typical independent garage repair cost is £1,500–£2,500.
Suspension component corrosion (CL/CM) Major
Suspension components including control arms, anti-roll bar links, and mounting bushes suffer from accelerated corrosion, failing MOT tests at 3335.2x the fleet average rate. Affects CL/CM; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£600.
Emissions system failure (CL/CM) Major
Petrol engines fail emissions tests at extraordinarily high rates - up to 9-litre variants. Affects CL/CM; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£800.
Steering rack gaiter damage (CL/CM) Major
Steering rack gaiters (protective rubber boots covering the steering rack ends) fail at exceptionally high rates - up to 3335.2x the fleet average. Affects CL/CM; typical independent garage repair cost is £80–£200.
For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Honda Accord common problems breakdown.
What to check before buying a Honda Accord
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Honda Accord:
Suspension — check for anti-roll bar links worn, subframe bushes or mounts worn. Exhaust & Emissions — check for emissions failure. Steering — check for steering rack wear, track rod ends worn. Lights & Electrics — check for light unit fault, headlight fault.
Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about subframe corrosion and suspension component corrosion. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £1,500. A specialist pre-purchase inspection is worth the investment on this model.
Always check the car's full MOT history for patterns — recurring advisories often become failures within 12 months. And verify the service history to confirm maintenance has been kept up to schedule. Enter any reg into our free car check to see the complete picture.
Looking at a specific Honda Accord?
Enter the reg to see its full MOT history, mileage records, write-off status, and finance checks.
Honda Accord MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a Honda Accord?
Based on 169,811 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is anti-roll bar links worn — at 92x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include emissions failure and steering rack wear.
Is the Honda Accord reliable based on MOT data?
The Honda Accord has 22 MOT failure categories above the fleet average. Specialists also flag subframe corrosion as a concern. A pre-purchase inspection and service history check are recommended.
What MOT failures should I expect at high mileage?
Above 100,000 miles, the Honda Accord most commonly fails on coil springs broken and anti-roll bar links worn. Under 60,000 miles, the main issues are anti-roll bar links worn and headlight fault.
How do I check a Honda Accord's MOT history?
Enter the registration number into our free car check above. You'll see every MOT test result, advisories and failures, mileage readings, write-off status, and finance checks.
MOT failure data sourced from DVSA bulk test records via data.gov.uk. Ratios compare this model's failure rate against the national fleet average. Known issues sourced from manufacturer bulletins, specialist workshops, and verified owner reports.