At a Glance
The Honda Civic has 12 identified common problems across 11 generations, with the 8th Gen (2005-2011) being the most affected generation and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 6.8M 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 Civic 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 Civic 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 Civic Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
1st Gen
Most common MOT failure: Brake performance below minimum
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: Suspension component mounting corroded
5th Gen
Top issue: Suspension retaining or locking device fault
6th Gen
Top issue: Suspension retaining or locking device fault
7th Gen
Top issue: Suspension linkage condition
8th Gen
Top issue: Track rod end worn
9th Gen
Most common MOT failure: Wiper blades deteriorated
10th Gen
Most common MOT failure: Wiper blades deteriorated
11th Gen
Most common MOT failure: Wiper blades deteriorated
Most Common Honda Civic MOT Failures
Every reason Honda Civic 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 | 8.11% |
| 2 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 7.77% |
| 3 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 7.54% |
| 4 | Stop lamp not working | 6.88% |
| 5 | Number plate lamp not working | 6.79% |
| 6 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.60% |
| 7 | Tyre condition | 4.56% |
| 8 | Front lamp not working | 4.46% |
| 9 | Driveshaft fault | 4.06% |
| 10 | Brake pads or linings worn | 3.57% |
| 11 | Position lamp not working | 2.66% |
| 12 | Windscreen washer not working | 2.66% |
| 13 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 2.47% |
| 14 | Exhaust system fault | 2.43% |
| 15 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.42% |
| 16 | Headlamp fault | 2.22% |
| 17 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 2.12% |
| 18 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 2.07% |
| 19 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.82% |
| 20 | Track rod end worn | 1.59% |
| 21 | Indicator fault | 1.54% |
| 22 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.15% |
| 23 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 1.12% |
| 24 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.10% |
| 25 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.04% |
| 26 | Suspension mounting corroded | 1.02% |
| 27 | ABS fault | 0.85% |
| 28 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.72% |
| 29 | Rear lamp not working | 0.60% |
| 30 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.56% |
| 31 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.54% |
| 32 | Steering rack fault | 0.52% |
| 33 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.52% |
| 34 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.48% |
| 35 | Parking brake condition | 0.46% |
| 36 | Fog lamp not working | 0.46% |
| 37 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.45% |
| 38 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.41% |
| 39 | Airbag warning light on | 0.41% |
| 40 | Seat belt condition | 0.33% |
| 41 | Chassis condition | 0.26% |
| 42 | Horn not working | 0.23% |
| 43 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.21% |
| 44 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.20% |
| 45 | Brake pedal fault | 0.19% |
| 46 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.17% |
| 47 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.17% |
| 48 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.15% |
| 49 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.13% |
| 50 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.13% |
| 51 | Steering lock fault | 0.13% |
| 52 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.13% |
| 53 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.13% |
| 54 | CV joint worn | 0.12% |
| 55 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.12% |
| 56 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.11% |
| 57 | Front suspension fault | 0.11% |
| 58 | Rear suspension fault | 0.11% |
| 59 | Brake caliper fault | 0.10% |
| 60 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.10% |
| 61 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.09% |
| 62 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.09% |
| 63 | Brake lever fault | 0.09% |
| 64 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.08% |
| 65 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.07% |
| 66 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.07% |
| 67 | Body security fault | 0.07% |
| 68 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.07% |
| 69 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.06% |
| 70 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.06% |
| 71 | Brake fluid leak | 0.05% |
| 72 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.05% |
| 73 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.05% |
| 74 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.04% |
| 75 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.04% |
| 76 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.04% |
| 77 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.04% |
| 78 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.04% |
| 79 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.04% |
| 80 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.04% |
| 81 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.03% |
| 82 | Electrical switch fault | 0.03% |
| 83 | Engine oil leak | 0.03% |
| 84 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.03% |
| 85 | Electric power steering fault | 0.03% |
| 86 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.03% |
| 87 | Driver seat fault | 0.03% |
| 88 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.03% |
| 89 | Front passenger door fault | 0.02% |
| 90 | Steering arm worn | 0.02% |
| 91 | Driver airbag fault | 0.02% |
| 92 | Steering operation fault | 0.02% |
| 93 | Suspension unit fault | 0.02% |
| 94 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 95 | Steering free play excessive | 0.02% |
| 96 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.02% |
| 97 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.02% |
| 98 | Steering column fault | 0.02% |
| 99 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 100 | Driver door fault | 0.01% |
| 101 | Drag link end worn | 0.01% |
| 102 | Outline marker lamp not working | 0.01% |
| 103 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.01% |
| 104 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.01% |
| 105 | Propshaft fault | 0.01% |
| 106 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 107 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.01% |
| 108 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 109 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 110 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 111 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 112 | Brake fluid warning light on | <0.01% |
| 113 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | <0.01% |
| 115 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 116 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 118 | Passenger seat fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 121 | Headlamp washer not working | <0.01% |
| 122 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Reversing lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 124 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 125 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 130 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 133 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 134 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 135 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 137 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 139 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 140 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 141 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 142 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 146 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 149 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 150 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 153 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 155 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 157 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 158 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 159 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 160 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 161 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 162 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 163 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 164 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 165 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 166 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 167 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 168 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 169 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 170 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 171 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 172 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 173 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 174 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 175 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 176 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 177 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 178 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 179 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 180 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 181 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 182 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 183 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 184 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 185 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 186 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 187 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 188 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 189 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 190 | Seat belt load limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 191 | Air brake cylinder or actuator fault | <0.01% |
| 192 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 193 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 194 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | <0.01% |
| 195 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 196 | Handlebars damaged | <0.01% |
| 197 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 198 | Steering head bearings worn | <0.01% |
| 199 | Suspension air bellows damaged | <0.01% |
Showing all 199 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Honda Civic MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Honda Civic, 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 Civic problems?
Based on analysis of 6.8M Honda Civic MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 12 identified common problems across 11 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Suspension linkage condition". Suspension is the most common problem category.
Which Honda Civic generation has the most problems?
The Honda Civic 8th Gen (2005-2011) (2005–2011) has the highest number of identified common problems (5). 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 Civic?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Honda Civic owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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