1990 · 34 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1990 Honda Civic MOT pass rate and common faults

116 MOT tests in 2024. 75.0% passed first time, compared with 72.0% for all cars the same age.

104Above average
Passed first time75.0%
Failed or needed repairs25.0%
Typical mileage at test98,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 116 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt6.0%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength5.2%
  3. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements2.6%
  4. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases2.6%
  5. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.6%
  6. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.7%
  7. Fuel cap/sealing device: ineffective1.7%
  8. Service brake imbalance: across an axle1.7%
  9. Position lamp: not working1.7%
  10. Bonnet: cannot be secured in the closed position1.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Body & chassis18.1%
  2. Lights & electrics12.9%
  3. Brakes12.1%
  4. Suspension8.6%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.9%
  6. Emissions & leaks4.3%
  7. Seat belts & airbags1.7%
  8. Steering1.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded10.3%
  2. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn10.3%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.5%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine9.5%
  5. Registration plates: inscription illegible6.0%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, 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.

All Civic years1991 Civic →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1990 Honda Civic?

In 2024, 75.0% of 1990 Honda Civic cars passed their MOT first time, across 116 tests. The average for all 34-year-old cars was 72.0%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1990 Honda Civic?

The most common failure reasons were joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; service brake performance: efficiency below requirements. The biggest problem area was body & chassis.

Is the 1990 Honda Civic reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 104, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).