2010 Honda CR-Z hybrid: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2010 Honda CR-Z hybrid?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2010 Honda CR-Z hybrid than on all cars registered in 2010.

• Braking performance1.8× usual
  Honda CR-Z

  10.8% All 2010 cars

  6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 2.4% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Track rod ends1.9× usual
  Honda CR-Z

  9.8% All 2010 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 2.6% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  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.

• Ball joint dust cover1.9× usual
  Honda CR-Z

  7% All 2010 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 1.5% of all 2010 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.

• Link ball joint covers2× usual
  Honda CR-Z

  5.3% All 2010 cars

  2.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 1.5% of all 2010 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.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.4× usual
  Honda CR-Z

  3.9% All 2010 cars

  1.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.7% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

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

Common 2010 Honda CR-Z hybrid MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2010 Honda CR-Z hybrid MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  32% 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.

• Brakes
  29% 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
  26% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  15% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  7% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Exhaust and emissions
  6% 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 an engine warning light.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2010 Honda CR-Z hybrid

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

1. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2010 Honda CR-Z hybrid as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2010 Honda CR-Z hybrid as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2010 Honda CR-Z hybrid as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?