1997 · 27 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1997 Honda Civic MOT pass rate and common faults

869 MOT tests in 2024. 59.8% passed first time, compared with 65.5% for all cars the same age.

91Well below average
Passed first time59.8%
Failed or needed repairs40.2%
Typical mileage at test93,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 869 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt6.6%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength5.6%
  3. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.4%
  4. Service brake imbalance: across an axle3.6%
  5. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.3%
  6. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.2%
  7. Position lamp: not working3.1%
  8. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed3.0%
  9. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.0%
  10. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics27.5%
  2. Brakes19.7%
  3. Emissions & leaks15.0%
  4. Body & chassis14.7%
  5. Suspension14.3%
  6. Steering9.9%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.8%
  8. Tyres4.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn16.3%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm13.5%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded13.0%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine12.8%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure10.7%

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 1997 Honda Civic?

In 2024, 59.8% of 1997 Honda Civic cars passed their MOT first time, across 869 tests. The average for all 27-year-old cars was 65.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1997 Honda Civic?

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; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1997 Honda Civic reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 91, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).