Used car guide · 2006–2012

Honda Civic Mk8: best and worst years, and what goes wrong

How each year of the Honda Civic Mk8 did at the MOTs done during 2023–2025, compared with other cars the same age, the weak spots that keep coming up, and what to check before you buy one. From 355,054 MOT tests.

2006best year: 54% pass first time, 2 points below all 2006 cars
2010weakest year: 56% pass first time, 4 points below all 2010 cars
Shock absorbersthe weak spot that shows up in 6 different years

Which Honda Civic Mk8 years are best and worst at their MOT?

First-time MOT pass rate for each year of the Honda Civic Mk8, against all cars registered the same year. Older cars fail more, so the comparison with cars the same age is what matters.

40%70%100%2006: 54% pass first time (all 2006 cars: 56%) 54% 20062007: 55% pass first time (all 2007 cars: 57%) 55% 20072008: 55% pass first time (all 2008 cars: 57%) 55% 20082009: 56% pass first time (all 2009 cars: 59%) 56% 20092010: 56% pass first time (all 2010 cars: 60%) 56% 20102011: 59% pass first time (all 2011 cars: 62%) 59% 20112012: 71% pass first time (all 2012 cars: 64%) 71% 2012*
This model, first-time pass rate All cars registered that year · * changeover year: some cars are the previous or next generation
YearPass first timeAll cars that yearStands outMOT tests
200654%56% -2Headlights 1.6× usual43,999
200755%57% -2Headlights 1.8× usual68,363
200855%57% -2Headlights 2.1× usual63,059
200956%59% -3Headlights 2.5× usual57,140
201056%60% -4Headlights 2.7× usual50,086
201159%62% -3Shock absorbers 2× usual33,295
2012*71%64% +7Anti-lock braking system 4× usual39,112

Common Honda Civic Mk8 MOT failures, year after year

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year of this generation. Repeat findings like these are much less likely to be chance.

  • Shock absorbersup to 2.4× usual

    Stands out in 6 years: 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006.

    Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

  • Headlightsup to 2.7× usual

    Stands out in 5 years: 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006.

    Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

  • Track rod endsup to 2.2× usual

    Stands out in 4 years: 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007.

    Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

  • Brake lightsup to 2.4× usual

    Stands out in 3 years: 2011, 2010, 2009.

    Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

  • Headlight aimup to 1.7× usual

    Stands out in 3 years: 2009, 2008, 2007.

    Rough price £20–£60 our estimate

    At the viewing: Park facing a wall at night or in a garage and check both headlight beams sit level. Aim is a cheap adjustment.

  • Side repeatersup to 4.8× usual

    Stands out in 2 years: 2011, 2008.

    Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

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

What usually goes wrong with the Honda Civic Mk8?

From owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Not every car will have them.

  • Oil use (2.2 i-CTDi diesel)

    The 2.2 diesel can use noticeable oil between services. Honda changed the oil it recommends to a thicker 5W-30 to help.

    Check: Check the oil level on the dipstick, and ask how often it needs topping up.

    Source: Parkers: Honda Civic (2006-2011) used review

  • Handbrake ratchet recall

    There was a recall for a handbrake ratchet that could be faulty.

    Check: Ask for proof the recall was done, and check the handbrake holds firmly.

    Source: Parkers: Honda Civic (2006-2011) used review

  • Clutch and flywheel wear (diesel)

    Diesels may need a new clutch and dual-mass flywheel at around 80,000 miles.

    Check: Listen for rattles at idle and check the clutch bites smoothly, not right at the top.

    Source: What Car?: Honda Civic (2006-2012) reliability

  • Poor starting from cold (diesel)

    Low-mileage diesels can foul their glow plugs, and they need the right heavy-duty battery to start well.

    Check: Ask to start it from cold. Be wary if the engine has been warmed up before you arrive.

    Source: Parkers: Honda Civic (2006-2011) used review

  • Squealing brakes and quick-wearing rear pads

    The brakes can squeal and the rear pads wear quickly, especially with cheap replacement pads.

    Check: Look at the rear pads and check the handbrake doesn’t pull up too far.

    Source: Parkers: Honda Civic (2006-2011) used review

  • Misty light units

    Front and rear light units can mist up in damp weather because of poor seals and breathers.

    Check: Look for condensation inside the headlights and rear lights.

    Source: Parkers: Honda Civic (2006-2011) used review, What Car?: Honda Civic (2006-2012) reliability

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting each car's main test of the year (not retests). A weak spot needs at least 30 cars flagged and must stay 1.5× the usual rate even at the cautious end of a 95% confidence range. Generation years are approximate: cars registered in a changeover year (*) can be either generation. How we score

Looking at a Honda Civic?

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