1997 Honda CR-V: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1997 Honda CR-V?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1997 Honda CR-V than on all cars registered in 1997.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints4.4× usual
  Honda CR-V

  21.9% All 1997 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 0.9% of all 1997 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.

• Coil springs2.9× usual
  Honda CR-V

  19.2% All 1997 cars

  6.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 0.9% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Ball joint3.4× usual
  Honda CR-V

  15.2% All 1997 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.4%, against 1.5% of all 1997 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 link joints7.9× usual
  Honda CR-V

  11.1% All 1997 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 0.4% of all 1997 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.9× usual
  Honda CR-V

  13.5% All 1997 cars

  4.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, against 1.9% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

Common 1997 Honda CR-V MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1997 Honda CR-V MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  63% 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
  31% 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
  28% 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
  28% 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
  25% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  22% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1997 Honda CR-V

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 4.4× as often on the 1997 Honda CR-V as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 1997 Honda CR-V as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 1997 Honda CR-V as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?