Honda CR-V Mk3: best and worst years, and what goes wrong
How each year of the Honda CR-V Mk3 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 196,997 MOT tests.
Which Honda CR-V Mk3 years are best and worst at their MOT?
First-time MOT pass rate for each year of the Honda CR-V Mk3, against all cars registered the same year. Older cars fail more, so the comparison with cars the same age is what matters.
| Year | Pass first time | All cars that year | Stands out | MOT tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 58% | 57% +1 | Track rod ends 2.9× usual | 41,912 |
| 2008 | 63% | 57% +6 | Track rod ends 3.1× usual | 30,817 |
| 2009 | 67% | 59% +8 | Track rod ends 3.3× usual | 28,041 |
| 2010 | 71% | 60% +11 | Track rod ends 2.1× usual | 29,736 |
| 2011 | 73% | 62% +11 | Individual direction indicators 2.8× usual | 29,303 |
| 2012* | 75% | 64% +11 | Individual direction indicators 2.4× usual | 37,188 |
Common Honda CR-V Mk3 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.
- Anti-roll bar bushes and jointsup to 7.1× usual
Stands out in 5 years: 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007.
Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) CheckatradeAt 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.
- Ball joint dust coverup to 3.1× usual
Stands out in 5 years: 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Anti-roll bar link jointsup to 2.3× usual
Stands out in 5 years: 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Track rod endsup to 3.3× 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) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Pedalup to 7.2× usual
Stands out in 2 years: 2009, 2008.
Rough price £150–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Individual direction indicatorsup to 2.8× usual
Stands out in 2 years: 2011, 2010.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.
What usually goes wrong with the Honda CR-V Mk3?
From owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Not every car will have them.
Blocked particulate filter (2.2 diesel)
The 2.2 diesel’s particulate filter needs regular longer runs to clear, and can lead to expensive problems if it doesn’t get them.
Check: Ask what journeys it does, and watch for a DPF warning light.
Air con compressor failure
Air con compressors can fail, leaving the air con weak or warm.
Check: Make sure the air con blows properly cold.
Steering pulling or juddering
Pulling to the left or judder on tight turns can be signs of a steering problem.
Check: Drive on a straight road and do some tight turns.
Flat battery after standing
The ignition switch can keep drawing power when the car is parked, flattening the battery.
Check: Ask whether the battery has gone flat after the car has sat for a few days.
Misty rear lights
Water getting into the rear light units is quite common.
Check: Look for fogging inside the rear lights.
Power steering and fuel leak recalls
Cars built June 2008 to June 2010 were recalled for possible power steering failure, and some 2009–2010 cars for fuel leaks.
Check: Ask for proof the recalls were done.
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 CR-V?
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