At a Glance
The Honda Acty has 19 identified common problems across 4 generations (1977–2021), with the First Generation being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 4K 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 Acty 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 Acty 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.
Tell Us About Your Problem
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Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Honda Acty owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
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Browse Honda Acty Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
First Generation
Top issue: Brake performance below minimum
Second Generation
Most common MOT failure: Spark ignition emissions above threshold
Third Generation
Most common MOT failure: Wiper blades deteriorated
Fourth Generation
Most common MOT failure: Spark ignition emissions above threshold
Most Common Honda Acty MOT Failures
Every reason Honda Acty 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 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 9.23% |
| 2 | Headlamp aim defect | 8.89% |
| 3 | Driveshaft fault | 7.49% |
| 4 | Brake performance below minimum | 7.31% |
| 5 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 7.06% |
| 6 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 3.00% |
| 7 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 2.97% |
| 8 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 2.94% |
| 9 | Exhaust system fault | 2.29% |
| 10 | Front lamp not working | 2.23% |
| 11 | Fog lamp not working | 2.14% |
| 12 | Suspension mounting corroded | 1.83% |
| 13 | Stop lamp not working | 1.80% |
| 14 | Tyre condition | 1.70% |
| 15 | Track rod end worn | 1.67% |
| 16 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.64% |
| 17 | Windscreen washer not working | 1.64% |
| 18 | Number plate lamp not working | 1.46% |
| 19 | Seat belt condition | 1.27% |
| 20 | Parking brake condition | 1.24% |
| 21 | Rear fog lamp not working | 1.21% |
| 22 | Rear lamp not working | 1.15% |
| 23 | Indicator fault | 1.11% |
| 24 | Position lamp not working | 1.08% |
| 25 | Spring mounting corroded | 1.08% |
| 26 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.02% |
| 27 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.96% |
| 28 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.87% |
| 29 | Chassis condition | 0.87% |
| 30 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.84% |
| 31 | Headlamp fault | 0.84% |
| 32 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.77% |
| 33 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.74% |
| 34 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.74% |
| 35 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.74% |
| 36 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.65% |
| 37 | Brake fluid leak | 0.62% |
| 38 | Rear suspension fault | 0.62% |
| 39 | Electrical switch fault | 0.59% |
| 40 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.59% |
| 41 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.56% |
| 42 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.53% |
| 43 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.50% |
| 44 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.50% |
| 45 | Horn not working | 0.50% |
| 46 | Front suspension fault | 0.46% |
| 47 | Brake pedal fault | 0.43% |
| 48 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.43% |
| 49 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.43% |
| 50 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.43% |
| 51 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.37% |
| 52 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.37% |
| 53 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.37% |
| 54 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.37% |
| 55 | Steering rack fault | 0.37% |
| 56 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.37% |
| 57 | Brake linkage mounting fault | 0.34% |
| 58 | Brake pads or linings worn | 0.34% |
| 59 | Steering free play excessive | 0.34% |
| 60 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.31% |
| 61 | Steering arm worn | 0.25% |
| 62 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.25% |
| 63 | Body security fault | 0.22% |
| 64 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.22% |
| 65 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.22% |
| 66 | Spare wheel fault | 0.19% |
| 67 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.19% |
| 68 | Airbag warning light on | 0.15% |
| 69 | Brake clevis joint worn | 0.15% |
| 70 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | 0.15% |
| 71 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.15% |
| 72 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.12% |
| 73 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.12% |
| 74 | Brake lever fault | 0.12% |
| 75 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.12% |
| 76 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.12% |
| 77 | Steering coupling worn | 0.12% |
| 78 | Driver door fault | 0.09% |
| 79 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.09% |
| 80 | Propshaft fault | 0.09% |
| 81 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.09% |
| 82 | Steering lock fault | 0.09% |
| 83 | Brake disc or drum worn | 0.06% |
| 84 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.06% |
| 85 | CV joint worn | 0.06% |
| 86 | Electric power steering fault | 0.06% |
| 87 | Front passenger door fault | 0.06% |
| 88 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.06% |
| 89 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.06% |
| 90 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.06% |
| 91 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.06% |
| 92 | Steering box fault | 0.06% |
| 93 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | 0.06% |
| 94 | Steering operation fault | 0.06% |
| 95 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.06% |
| 96 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.03% |
| 97 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.03% |
| 98 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.03% |
| 99 | Brake master cylinder fault | 0.03% |
| 100 | Brake relay lever fault | 0.03% |
| 101 | Drag link end worn | 0.03% |
| 102 | Driver airbag fault | 0.03% |
| 103 | Dropside damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 104 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.03% |
| 105 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.03% |
| 106 | Engine oil leak | 0.03% |
| 107 | Indicator warning light fault | 0.03% |
| 108 | Speedometer fault | 0.03% |
| 109 | Steering column fault | 0.03% |
| 110 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.03% |
| 111 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 112 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 113 | Transmission drive belt fault | 0.03% |
| 114 | Transmission oil leak | 0.03% |
| 115 | Towbar fault | 0.03% |
Showing all 115 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Honda Acty MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Honda Acty, 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 Acty problems?
Based on analysis of 4K Honda Acty MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 19 identified common problems across 4 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Brake performance below minimum". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Honda Acty generation has the most problems?
The Honda Acty First Generation (1977–1988) has the highest number of identified common problems (21). 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 Acty?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Honda Acty owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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