2002 · 22 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2002 Honda Accord MOT pass rate and common faults

541 MOT tests in 2024. 55.6% passed first time, compared with 58.1% for all cars the same age.

96Below average
Passed first time55.6%
Failed or needed repairs44.4%
Typical mileage at test99,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 541 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt9.1%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength6.5%
  3. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect5.9%
  4. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements5.5%
  5. Position lamp: not working4.3%
  6. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits4.1%
  7. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.1%
  8. Sub-frame mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.9%
  9. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.7%
  10. Stop lamp: not working3.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics34.2%
  2. Emissions & leaks23.5%
  3. Suspension22.2%
  4. Brakes20.3%
  5. Body & chassis16.3%
  6. Steering12.4%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.7%
  8. Tyres7.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine19.2%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.3%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened11.6%
  4. Registration plates: inscription illegible11.5%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure11.1%

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: steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2002 Honda Accord?

In 2024, 55.6% of 2002 Honda Accord cars passed their MOT first time, across 541 tests. The average for all 22-year-old cars was 58.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2002 Honda Accord?

The most common failure reasons were steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2002 Honda Accord reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 96, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).