Used car guide · 1997–2026

Honda CR-V common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong on a used Honda CR-V, year by year: known faults from UK buying guides, the parts flagged at MOT more than on other cars (from 594,617 MOTs done during 2023–2025), and what to check before you buy one.

594,617MOTs done in 2023–2025, all years of this model
215,723on the UK register
16known faults across all years
2013best year at its MOT

Pick the year

Most years have their own guide. The year is when the car was first registered (it’s on the logbook, or check the reg below).

202620252024202320222021202020192018201720162015201420132012201120102009200820072006200520042003200220012000199919981997

Generation guides: Honda CR-V Mk3 (2007–2012) · Honda CR-V Mk4 (2012–2018) · Honda CR-V Mk5 (2018–2023)

What usually goes wrong with a Honda CR-V?

Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.

  • Takata airbag recalls

    Cars registered 2012–2017 · All engines

    Most CR-V recalls covered faulty Takata airbags.

    At the viewing: Ask a Honda dealer to check the VIN for outstanding airbag work.

    Source: Auto Express: used Honda CR-V Mk4 problems and recalls

  • Driver's airbag inflator

    Cars registered 2018–2023 · Some cars

    Moisture can get into the driver's airbag propellant, so it could deploy slowly or the inflator could rupture.

    At the viewing: Ask a Honda dealer whether the airbag recall applies and was done.

    Source: What Car?: used Honda CR-V (2018-2023) reliability

  • Fuel pump module (built to March 2019)

    Cars registered 2018–2019 · Built to March 2019

    Cars built up to 5 March 2019 need a new fuel pump module.

    At the viewing: Ask a Honda dealer to confirm it has been replaced.

    Source: What Car?: used Honda CR-V (2018-2023) reliability

  • Fuel pump recall

    Cars registered 2012–2017 · All engines

    Honda replaced faulty fuel pumps under a 2020 recall.

    At the viewing: Ask a Honda dealer to confirm it's done.

    Source: Auto Express: used Honda CR-V Mk4 problems and recalls

  • Hybrid warnings and power loss

    Cars registered 2018–2023 · Hybrid

    Hybrid owners report unexpected warning lights and occasional loss of power, and long waits for parts.

    At the viewing: Drive it and watch for warnings.

    Source: What Car?: used Honda CR-V (2018-2023) reliability

  • Cutting out from EGR valve

    Cars registered 2002–2006 · All engines

    Some cars cut out or lose power because of a faulty EGR valve.

    At the viewing: Look for a replaced EGR valve in the service history and make sure it pulls cleanly.

    Source: What Car?: Honda CR-V (2002-2006) reliability

  • Blocked particulate filter (2.2 diesel)

    Cars registered 2007–2011 · 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.

    At the viewing: Ask what journeys it does, and watch for a DPF warning light.

    Source: Carbuyer: used Honda CR-V buying guide (2007-2012)

  • Air con compressor failure

    Cars registered 2007–2011 · All engines

    Air con compressors can fail, leaving the air con weak or warm.

    At the viewing: Make sure the air con blows properly cold.

    Source: Carbuyer: used Honda CR-V buying guide (2007-2012)

  • Steering pulling or juddering

    Cars registered 2007–2011 · All engines

    Pulling to the left or judder on tight turns can be signs of a steering problem.

    At the viewing: Drive on a straight road and do some tight turns.

    Source: Carbuyer: used Honda CR-V buying guide (2007-2012)

  • Power steering and fuel leak recalls

    Cars registered 2008–2010 · Built 2008 to 2010

    Cars built June 2008 to June 2010 were recalled for possible power steering failure, and some 2009–2010 cars for fuel leaks.

    At the viewing: Ask for proof the recalls were done.

    Source: Carbuyer: used Honda CR-V buying guide (2007-2012)

6 more known faults

  • Rough diesel start-up

    Cars registered 2012–2017 · Diesel

    The diesels can be rough when starting. An engine software update can help.

    At the viewing: Start from cold and listen to the idle.

    Source: Auto Express: used Honda CR-V Mk4 problems and recalls

  • Infotainment freezing

    Cars registered 2018–2023 · All engines

    Screens can freeze and Bluetooth drop out. Software updates often fix it.

    At the viewing: Use the screen and connect your phone.

    Source: What Car?: used Honda CR-V (2018-2023) reliability

  • Tyre and seatbelt recalls

    Cars registered 2002–2006 · All engines

    A small number of cars were recalled for possible tyre sidewall damage and a seatbelt anchorage problem.

    At the viewing: Run the free DVSA recall check on the reg.

    Source: What Car?: Honda CR-V (2002-2006) reliability

  • Underbody damage

    Cars registered 2002–2006 · All engines

    Long overhangs and a low exhaust box can hit the ground off-road.

    At the viewing: Look underneath for scrapes and a dented exhaust.

    Source: RAC: Honda CR-V (2002-2006) used car review

  • Flat battery after standing

    Cars registered 2007–2011 · All engines

    The ignition switch can keep drawing power when the car is parked, flattening the battery.

    At the viewing: Ask whether the battery has gone flat after the car has sat for a few days.

    Source: Carbuyer: used Honda CR-V buying guide (2007-2012)

  • Misty rear lights

    Cars registered 2007–2011 · All engines

    Water getting into the rear light units is quite common.

    At the viewing: Look for fogging inside the rear lights.

    Source: Carbuyer: used Honda CR-V buying guide (2007-2012)

Common Honda CR-V MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, for each fuel on its own. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.

Petrol

  • Ball joint dust cover

    up to 3× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

    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.

  • Track rod ends

    up to 3.1× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2015.

    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 lights

    up to 5.6× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2018.

    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.

  • Anti-roll bar link joints

    up to 2.9× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2012.

    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 joints

    up to 5.2× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011.

    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.

  • Individual direction indicators

    up to 2.7× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2010, 2011 and 2012.

    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.

Diesel

  • Anti-roll bar link joints

    up to 3.6× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.

    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.

  • Ball joint dust cover

    up to 3.1× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

    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.

  • Track rod ends

    up to 3.3× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2015.

    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.

  • Anti-roll bar bushes and joints

    up to 9× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

    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.

  • Brake lights

    up to 6× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2018.

    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.

  • Pedal

    up to 8.3× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2008, 2009 and 2015.

    Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

Honda CR-V MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2013 Honda CR-V did best (81% passed first time, 14 points above all 2013 cars) and the 2005 did worst (54%, 3 points below all 2005 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

YearPass first timeAll cars that yearMOT tests
202396%92% +4172 (small sample)
202293%89% +45,319
202192%87% +511,559
202093%87% +616,511
201992%85% +724,647
201889%83% +627,651
201787%80% +735,474
201686%77% +942,221
201584%74% +1042,809
201483%70% +1343,941
201381%67% +1442,130
201275%64% +1137,188
201173%62% +1129,303
201071%60% +1129,736
200967%59% +828,041
200863%57% +630,817
200758%57% +141,912
200655%56% -128,289
200554%57% -325,957
200451%57% -618,131
200350%57% -714,478
200251%58% -79,696
200155%60% -53,575
200054%61% -72,219
199953%63% -101,492
199855%65% -101,052
199754%65% -11297 (small sample)

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

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

  1. Has the airbag recall been done?
  2. Has the fuel pump module been replaced under the recall?
  3. Has the fuel pump recall been done?
  4. Has the EGR valve ever been replaced?
  5. Has the engine software update been done?
  6. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 5.5× as often on the Honda CR-V as on other cars the same age.)

Looking at a Honda CR-V?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, whether it already shows these weak spots and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Where this comes from: MOT figures are the DVSA’s anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, grouped by the year each car was first registered. How many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score