At a Glance
The Honda Accord has 11 identified common problems across 8 generations, with the 6th Gen (1998-2002) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 1.7M MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Honda Accord common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Honda Accord generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Browse Honda Accord Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
1st Gen
Most common MOT failure: Suspension component mounting corroded
2nd Gen
Most common MOT failure: Suspension component mounting corroded
3rd Gen
Most common MOT failure: Suspension component mounting corroded
4th Gen
Most common MOT failure: Tyre tread below 1.6mm limit
5th Gen
Top issue: CV joint worn
6th Gen
Top issue: Steering rack fault
7th Gen
Top issue: Suspension linkage condition
8th Gen
Most common MOT failure: Tyre condition
Most Common Honda Accord MOT Failures
Every reason Honda Accord vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 9.69% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 7.80% |
| 3 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 6.61% |
| 4 | Brake performance below minimum | 6.17% |
| 5 | Number plate lamp not working | 5.25% |
| 6 | Front lamp not working | 5.21% |
| 7 | Tyre condition | 5.05% |
| 8 | Stop lamp not working | 4.95% |
| 9 | Headlamp aim defect | 4.51% |
| 10 | Brake pads or linings worn | 4.39% |
| 11 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 3.53% |
| 12 | Driveshaft fault | 3.15% |
| 13 | Exhaust system fault | 2.93% |
| 14 | Windscreen washer not working | 2.64% |
| 15 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 2.55% |
| 16 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.90% |
| 17 | Position lamp not working | 1.75% |
| 18 | Headlamp fault | 1.69% |
| 19 | Rear lamp not working | 1.49% |
| 20 | ABS fault | 1.24% |
| 21 | Parking brake condition | 1.08% |
| 22 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.91% |
| 23 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.90% |
| 24 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.77% |
| 25 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.76% |
| 26 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.73% |
| 27 | Track rod end worn | 0.71% |
| 28 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.71% |
| 29 | Fog lamp not working | 0.64% |
| 30 | Indicator fault | 0.63% |
| 31 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.61% |
| 32 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.60% |
| 33 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.57% |
| 34 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.49% |
| 35 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.47% |
| 36 | Steering rack fault | 0.41% |
| 37 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.40% |
| 38 | Chassis condition | 0.36% |
| 39 | Rear suspension fault | 0.30% |
| 40 | Seat belt condition | 0.28% |
| 41 | Airbag warning light on | 0.27% |
| 42 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.25% |
| 43 | Brake pedal fault | 0.25% |
| 44 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.24% |
| 45 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.24% |
| 46 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.22% |
| 47 | Brake caliper fault | 0.18% |
| 48 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.17% |
| 49 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.16% |
| 50 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.15% |
| 51 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.15% |
| 52 | Front suspension fault | 0.15% |
| 53 | Horn not working | 0.14% |
| 54 | Steering lock fault | 0.14% |
| 55 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.14% |
| 56 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.12% |
| 57 | CV joint worn | 0.12% |
| 58 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.12% |
| 59 | Brake fluid leak | 0.10% |
| 60 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.10% |
| 61 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.10% |
| 62 | Brake lever fault | 0.09% |
| 63 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.09% |
| 64 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.08% |
| 65 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.07% |
| 66 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.07% |
| 67 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.07% |
| 68 | Body security fault | 0.07% |
| 69 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.06% |
| 70 | Electrical switch fault | 0.06% |
| 71 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.06% |
| 72 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.05% |
| 73 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 74 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.04% |
| 75 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.04% |
| 76 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.04% |
| 77 | Power steering ram fault | 0.04% |
| 78 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.04% |
| 79 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 80 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.03% |
| 81 | Engine oil leak | 0.03% |
| 82 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 83 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.03% |
| 84 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.02% |
| 85 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.02% |
| 86 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.02% |
| 87 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 88 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.02% |
| 89 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 90 | Steering arm worn | 0.02% |
| 91 | Steering free play excessive | 0.02% |
| 92 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.02% |
| 93 | Suspension unit fault | 0.02% |
| 94 | Steering column fault | 0.02% |
| 95 | Steering operation fault | 0.02% |
| 96 | Drag link end worn | 0.01% |
| 97 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.01% |
| 98 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.01% |
| 99 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 100 | Driver seat fault | <0.01% |
| 101 | Driver airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 102 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 103 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 104 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 105 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 106 | Front passenger door fault | <0.01% |
| 107 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 108 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 109 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 110 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 111 | Propshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Driver door fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 114 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 116 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 118 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 119 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 124 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 128 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
| 129 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 130 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Passenger seat fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 135 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 136 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 137 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 139 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 141 | Headlamp washer not working | <0.01% |
| 142 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 145 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 146 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Reversing lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 149 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 150 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 153 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 154 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 155 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 158 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 159 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 160 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 161 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 162 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 163 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 164 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 165 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 166 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 167 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 168 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 169 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 170 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 171 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 172 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 173 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 174 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 175 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 176 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 177 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 178 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 179 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 180 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 181 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 182 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 183 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 184 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 185 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 186 | Air brake cylinder or actuator fault | <0.01% |
| 187 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 188 | Cab corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 189 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 189 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Honda Accord MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Honda Accord, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Honda Accord problems?
Based on analysis of 1.7M Honda Accord MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 11 identified common problems across 8 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Steering rack fault". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Honda Accord generation has the most problems?
The Honda Accord 6th Gen (1998-2002) (1998–2002) has the highest number of identified common problems (7). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Honda Accord?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Honda Accord owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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