Honda Jazz MOT Failures
An analysis of 2,224,350 real DVSA MOT tests on the Honda Jazz — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: GE (2001–2008), GD (2008–2015).
Where the Honda Jazz fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the Honda Jazz is emissions failure — this model is 37 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it a significant weak point for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 2,224,350 MOT tests, 0.02% of all Honda Jazz tests recorded this as a failure.
Exhaust and emissions failures often point to catalytic converter degradation, lambda sensor faults, or — in diesel models — DPF problems. These can be expensive to fix and will cause an immediate MOT failure.
Other notable weak points include suspension component with an unsafe modification (18x the fleet average), any part of the noise suppression system insecure (14x the fleet average), fuel pipe or hose damaged (19x the fleet average), and suspension pin, bush or joint worn (14x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Honda Jazz'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 4 categories: Exhaust & Emissions, Suspension, Bodywork, Brakes. If you're inspecting a Honda Jazz 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 Jazz'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 Jazz specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are lens defective which has no effect on emitted l... (34x the average) and body, cab or chassis corroded at a mounting point (26x). abs fault (21x) and coil springs broken (21x) 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 Jazz specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are obligatory rear fog lamp missing, or a front or... (14x the average) and fuel pipe or hose damaged (13x). parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement (13x) and any part of the noise suppression system insecure (11x) 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 Jazz specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are emissions failure (34x the average) and fuel pipe or hose damaged (19x). axle or kingpin wear (18x) and coil springs broken (15x) also appear frequently.
The shift from lens defective which has no effect on emitted l... at lower mileages to emissions failure 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 Jazz specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.
Structural corrosion at suspension mounting points (GE/GD) Dangerous
The Honda Jazz suffers from severe structural corrosion around suspension mounting points, particularly where the rear beam attaches to the chassis. Affects GE, GD; typical independent garage repair cost is £800–£1,500.
Brake hose corrosion (GE/GD) Dangerous
Honda Jazz models show exceptionally high failure rates for brake hose ferrule corrosion, at 78.9 times the national fleet average. Affects GE, GD; typical independent garage repair cost is £100–£200.
Emissions failure (GE/GD) Major
This primarily affects 1.2 and 1.3 litre petrol engines from the second generation and is typically caused by catalytic converter degradation, lambda sensor failure, or carbon build-up in the intake system. Affects GE, GD; typical independent garage repair cost is £150–£600.
Suspension component corrosion (GE/GD) Major
Honda Jazz models suffer from widespread corrosion of suspension components, failing MOT tests at 22534.9 times the national average for suspension component damage or corrosion. Affects GE, GD; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£600.
For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Honda Jazz common problems breakdown.
What to check before buying a Honda Jazz
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Honda Jazz:
Exhaust & Emissions — check for emissions failure, any part of the noise suppression system insecure. Suspension — check for suspension component with an unsafe modification, suspension pin, bush or joint worn. Bodywork — check for fuel pipe or hose damaged.
Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about structural corrosion at suspension mounting points and brake hose corrosion. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £800. 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 Jazz?
Enter the reg to see its full MOT history, mileage records, write-off status, and finance checks.
Honda Jazz MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a Honda Jazz?
Based on 2,224,350 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is emissions failure — at 37x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include suspension component with an unsafe modification and any part of the noise suppression system insecure.
Is the Honda Jazz reliable based on MOT data?
The Honda Jazz has 26 MOT failure categories above the fleet average. Specialists also flag structural corrosion at suspension mounting points 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 Jazz most commonly fails on emissions failure and fuel pipe or hose damaged. Under 60,000 miles, the main issues are lens defective which has no effect on emitted l... and body, cab or chassis corroded at a mounting point.
How do I check a Honda Jazz'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.