1999 Honda CR-V: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1999 Honda CR-V?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1999 Honda CR-V than on all cars registered in 1999.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints3.6× usual
  Honda CR-V

  21.5% All 1999 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 1.2% of all 1999 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 joint2.9× usual
  Honda CR-V

  15.4% All 1999 cars

  5.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.4%, against 1.9% of all 1999 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 joints4.9× usual
  Honda CR-V

  10.8% All 1999 cars

  2.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 0.7% of all 1999 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.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)2.8× usual
  Honda CR-V

  13% All 1999 cars

  4.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 12.7%, against 4.6% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Headlights2.3× usual
  Honda CR-V

  14.5% All 1999 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 3% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

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

Common 1999 Honda CR-V MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 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
  36% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  30% 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.

• Tyres
  29% 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
  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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  21% 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 1999 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 3.6× as often on the 1999 Honda CR-V as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 1999 Honda CR-V as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.9× as often on the 1999 Honda CR-V as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?