At a Glance
The Honda Fr-v has 13 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the BE (2004-2009) being the most affected generation and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 193K 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 Fr-v 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 Fr-v 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 Fr-v Generations
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Most Common Honda Fr-v MOT Failures
Every reason Honda Fr-v 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 | 13.06% |
| 2 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 10.12% |
| 3 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 8.80% |
| 4 | Tyre condition | 8.40% |
| 5 | Number plate lamp not working | 7.53% |
| 6 | Brake pads or linings worn | 6.92% |
| 7 | Brake performance below minimum | 5.17% |
| 8 | Position lamp not working | 5.07% |
| 9 | Stop lamp not working | 4.00% |
| 10 | Front lamp not working | 3.47% |
| 11 | Windscreen washer not working | 3.13% |
| 12 | Exhaust system fault | 1.79% |
| 13 | Headlamp fault | 1.74% |
| 14 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.46% |
| 15 | Indicator fault | 1.17% |
| 16 | Track rod end worn | 1.12% |
| 17 | Parking brake condition | 1.10% |
| 18 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 1.09% |
| 19 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.04% |
| 20 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.97% |
| 21 | Brake disc or drum worn | 0.95% |
| 22 | Chassis condition | 0.75% |
| 23 | Driveshaft fault | 0.75% |
| 24 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.64% |
| 25 | Seat belt condition | 0.58% |
| 26 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.57% |
| 27 | Headlamp aim defect | 0.52% |
| 28 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.48% |
| 29 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.45% |
| 30 | Brake pedal fault | 0.41% |
| 31 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.40% |
| 32 | ABS fault | 0.40% |
| 33 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.35% |
| 34 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.34% |
| 35 | Airbag warning light on | 0.31% |
| 36 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.30% |
| 37 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.30% |
| 38 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.30% |
| 39 | Brake lever fault | 0.29% |
| 40 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.22% |
| 41 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.22% |
| 42 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.21% |
| 43 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.20% |
| 44 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.18% |
| 45 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.17% |
| 46 | Fog lamp not working | 0.15% |
| 47 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.14% |
| 48 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.14% |
| 49 | Brake caliper fault | 0.13% |
| 50 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.12% |
| 51 | Horn not working | 0.12% |
| 52 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 0.11% |
| 53 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.11% |
| 54 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.10% |
| 55 | Rear lamp not working | 0.09% |
| 56 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.09% |
| 57 | Front suspension fault | 0.09% |
| 58 | Engine oil leak | 0.08% |
| 59 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.07% |
| 60 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.06% |
| 61 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | 0.05% |
| 62 | Steering lock fault | 0.04% |
| 63 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 64 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 65 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.04% |
| 66 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.04% |
| 67 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.04% |
| 68 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.04% |
| 69 | Steering rack fault | 0.04% |
| 70 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.03% |
| 71 | Brake fluid leak | 0.02% |
| 72 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.02% |
| 73 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.02% |
| 74 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.02% |
| 75 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.02% |
| 76 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.02% |
| 77 | Driver door fault | 0.02% |
| 78 | Drag link end worn | 0.02% |
| 79 | Electrical switch fault | 0.02% |
| 80 | Rear suspension fault | 0.02% |
| 81 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 82 | Towbar fault | 0.01% |
| 83 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.01% |
| 84 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.01% |
| 85 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.01% |
| 86 | Propshaft fault | 0.01% |
| 87 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.01% |
| 88 | Driver airbag fault | 0.01% |
| 89 | Front passenger door fault | 0.01% |
| 90 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 91 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.01% |
| 92 | Body security fault | <0.01% |
| 93 | Passenger seat fault | <0.01% |
| 94 | Subframe corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 95 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 96 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 97 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 98 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 99 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 100 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 101 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 102 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 103 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 104 | Bonded suspension condition | <0.01% |
| 105 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 106 | Steering operation fault | <0.01% |
| 107 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 108 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 109 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 110 | Suspension unit fault | <0.01% |
| 111 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
| 112 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 114 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 116 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Reversing lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 118 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 119 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 120 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Driver seat fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 127 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 133 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 135 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Steering arm worn | <0.01% |
| 138 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 140 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 141 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 142 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 143 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 144 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 145 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | <0.01% |
| 146 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 147 | Handbrake cable fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Suspension air bellows damaged | <0.01% |
Showing all 152 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Honda Fr-v MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Honda Fr-v, 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 Fr-v problems?
Based on analysis of 193K Honda Fr-v MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 13 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Ball joint dust cover split". Suspension is the most common problem category.
Which Honda Fr-v generation has the most problems?
The Honda Fr-v BE (2004-2009) (2004–2009) has the highest number of identified common problems (15). 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 Fr-v?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Honda Fr-v owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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