1998 · 26 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1998 Honda Accord MOT pass rate and common faults

161 MOT tests in 2024. 60.9% passed first time, compared with 64.9% for all cars the same age.

94Below average
Passed first time60.9%
Failed or needed repairs39.1%
Typical mileage at test102,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 161 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.3%
  2. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits3.7%
  3. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.7%
  4. Door condition: cannot be opened from outside the vehicle3.1%
  5. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.1%
  6. Position lamp: not working3.1%
  7. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure2.5%
    10 marked dangerous
  8. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced2.5%
  9. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases2.5%
  10. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam2.5%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics25.5%
  2. Brakes17.4%
  3. Emissions & leaks15.5%
  4. Suspension14.9%
  5. Body & chassis12.4%
  6. Tyres8.1%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.8%
  8. Seat belts & airbags3.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm17.4%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine10.6%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded9.9%
  4. Registration plates: inscription illegible8.7%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure8.1%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All Accord years1999 Accord →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Honda Accord?

In 2024, 60.9% of 1998 Honda Accord cars passed their MOT first time, across 161 tests. The average for all 26-year-old cars was 64.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1998 Honda Accord?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1998 Honda Accord reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 94, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).