1996 · 28 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1996 Honda Civic MOT pass rate and common faults

571 MOT tests in 2024. 58.7% passed first time, compared with 66.2% for all cars the same age.

89Well below average
Passed first time58.7%
Failed or needed repairs41.3%
Typical mileage at test95,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 571 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt7.2%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength6.0%
  3. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.8%
  4. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.9%
  5. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.9%
  6. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.3%
  7. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn3.0%
  8. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed2.8%
  9. Position lamp: not working2.6%
  10. Stop lamp: not working2.1%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics22.6%
  2. Body & chassis17.2%
  3. Suspension16.8%
  4. Emissions & leaks14.7%
  5. Brakes12.3%
  6. Steering10.3%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.2%
  8. Tyres5.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn16.8%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm14.0%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded11.9%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine10.3%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure10.2%

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 1996 Honda Civic?

In 2024, 58.7% of 1996 Honda Civic cars passed their MOT first time, across 571 tests. The average for all 28-year-old cars was 66.2%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1996 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 1996 Honda Civic reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 89, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).