2004 Honda Accord diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Honda Accord diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Honda Accord diesel than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.5× usual
  Honda Accord

  23.7% All 2004 cars

  9.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.9%, against 2.1% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Ball joint2.6× usual
  Honda Accord

  17.2% All 2004 cars

  6.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.1%, against 3.2% of all 2004 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 pads2.1× usual
  Honda Accord

  16% All 2004 cars

  7.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 1.9% of all 2004 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.7× usual
  Honda Accord

  10.9% All 2004 cars

  4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 1.5% of all 2004 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.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints3× usual
  Honda Accord

  5.1% All 2004 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.4% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

Common 2004 Honda Accord diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Honda Accord diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  61% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  44% 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
  38% 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.

• Brakes
  37% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  15% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  14% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 Honda Accord diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2004 Honda Accord diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2004 Honda Accord diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2004 Honda Accord diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?