2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Honda HR-V MOT pass rate and common faults

203 MOT tests in 2024. 58.6% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

102Above average
Passed first time58.6%
Failed or needed repairs41.4%
Typical mileage at test99,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 203 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect6.9%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength5.9%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded3.9%
  4. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn3.9%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.9%
  6. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed3.9%
  7. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction3.4%
  8. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits3.4%
  9. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.0%
  10. Washers: not working3.0%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics30.5%
  2. Emissions & leaks19.7%
  3. Suspension18.2%
  4. Brakes16.3%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)10.3%
  6. Body & chassis9.9%
  7. Tyres3.9%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm16.3%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine15.8%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure15.3%
  4. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded11.3%
  5. Registration plates: inscription illegible8.9%

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: headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2002 HR-VAll HR-V years2004 HR-V →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Honda HR-V?

In 2024, 58.6% of 2003 Honda HR-V cars passed their MOT first time, across 203 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Honda HR-V?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 Honda HR-V reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 102, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).