1998 · 26 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1998 Honda Civic MOT pass rate and common faults

1,023 MOT tests in 2024. 58.4% passed first time, compared with 64.9% for all cars the same age.

90Well below average
Passed first time58.4%
Failed or needed repairs41.6%
Typical mileage at test94,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,023 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength5.8%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.4%
  3. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.5%
  4. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases4.2%
  5. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.9%
  6. Position lamp: not working3.6%
  7. Service brake imbalance: across an axle3.5%
  8. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.0%
  9. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.7%
  10. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.7%
    74 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics26.8%
  2. Brakes19.2%
  3. Emissions & leaks16.8%
  4. Body & chassis16.5%
  5. Suspension14.7%
  6. Steering8.3%
  7. Tyres7.7%
  8. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn15.9%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.5%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine11.4%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure10.1%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded9.3%

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: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. 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 1998 Honda Civic?

In 2024, 58.4% of 1998 Honda Civic cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,023 tests. The average for all 26-year-old cars was 64.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1998 Honda Civic?

The most common failure reasons were 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; steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1998 Honda Civic reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 90, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).