1998 Honda Accord: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1998 Honda Accord?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1998 Honda Accord than on all cars registered in 1998.

• Anti-roll bar link joints3.5× usual
  Honda Accord

  6.3% All 1998 cars

  1.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.5% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Ball joint dust cover2.4× usual
  Honda Accord

  8.1% All 1998 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 1.1% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Brake pads2× usual
  Honda Accord

  9% All 1998 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

Common 1998 Honda Accord MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1998 Honda Accord MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  42% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  40% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  29% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  26% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Exhaust and emissions
  17% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  14% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1998 Honda Accord

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.5× as often on the 1998 Honda Accord as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 1998 Honda Accord as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 1998 Honda Accord as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?