Honda Reliability UK 2026

How reliable is a Honda? Here’s a data-led reliability profile based on first-time MOT pass rates, model-level breakdown, top failure categories, and a buyer’s verdict.

By Bertram Sargla, Founder, MOT CheckupLast updated: 2026-05-16Data sourced from DVSA

Honda reliability snapshot: first-time MOT pass rate 85.7% (+21.7 pp vs the UK average of 64%). Across 10 Honda models, the typical dangerous-defect rate is 1.31% and the average retest rate is 10.9%. Honda sits well above the UK average on first-time MOT performance. For a buyer focused on long-term reliability, it's a solid badge — though individual mileage and service history still matter more than brand.

Honda first-time MOT pass rate

85.7%

Implied failure rate: 14.3% · UK average pass rate: 64%

vs UK average

+21.7 pp

Dangerous defects

1.31%

Retest rate

10.9%

How Honda compares to the UK average

The UK national first-time MOT pass rate is 64%, with about 36% of cars failing on the first attempt.Honda’s pass rate of 85.7% is 21.7 percentage points above that benchmark. That ’s a brand-average figure — individual Honda models range from the high 60s to above 90%, so model and age matter more than the badge.

Honda pass rate85.7%

UK average pass rate64%

Most reliable Honda models

Ranked by first-time MOT pass rate across our reliability dataset. Restricted to models with meaningful sample size.

Honda e

2020–present · sample ≈5k

90.5%

Honda ZR-V

2022–present · sample ≈5k

88.5%

Honda Jazz

2001–present · sample ≈55k

85.8%

Most problematic Honda models

The Honda models in our dataset with the lowest first-time MOT pass rates. A low pass rate doesn’t mean a bad car — older platforms naturally accumulate wear faster — but it does mean a pre-purchase MOT history check is essential.

Honda FR-V

2004–2009 · sample ≈5k

78.5%

Honda Accord

2003–2015 · sample ≈18k

80.5%

Honda Civic

2000–present · sample ≈72k

83.5%

Run a free MOT check on a specific Honda

Brand averages set expectations — a single car’s history is what actually decides whether it’s worth buying.

Free instant MOT history check at /free-mot-check.

Top MOT failure categories for Honda

Aggregated across 10 Honda models in our dataset, weighted by sample size.

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment

13.9%

Suspension

12.1%

Brakes

10.4%

Tyres

9.6%

Exhaust, fuel and emissions

6.8%

Honda reliability — FAQ

Is Honda a reliable car brand in the UK?

Honda's first-time MOT pass rate of 85.7% is above the UK national average of 64%, putting it in the stronger half of brands for MOT reliability. We track 10 Honda models in our dataset.

What is the most reliable Honda model for MOT?

Based on first-time MOT pass rates, the most reliable Honda models in our dataset are: Honda e (90.5%), Honda ZR-V (88.5%), Honda Jazz (85.8%). Newer EV variants tend to score highest because they avoid emissions-related failures entirely.

Which Honda models fail their MOT most often?

In our dataset, the Honda models with the lowest first-time MOT pass rates are: Honda FR-V (78.5%), Honda Accord (80.5%), Honda Civic (83.5%). These tend to be older or higher-mileage models; the same name in a newer year often performs noticeably better.

What are the most common MOT failures on a Honda?

Aggregated across Honda models, the most common MOT failure categories are: lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment (13.9%), suspension (12.1%), brakes (10.4%). These align with the national pattern; lighting, suspension, and tyre defects dominate UK MOT failures across most brands.

Check a Honda’s MOT history

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Source: MOT Checkup analysis of DVSA MOT test data. Brand-average pass rate is sample-size weighted across 10 Honda models in our dataset. Individual cars vary considerably — always check the specific registration’s MOT history before buying.