2011 Honda CR-Z petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2011 Honda CR-Z petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2011 Honda CR-Z petrol than on all cars registered in 2011.

• Braking performance2.2× usual
  Honda CR-Z

  12% All 2011 cars

  5.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 2.1% of all 2011 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.

• Ball joint dust cover3× usual
  Honda CR-Z

  8.1% All 2011 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 1.2% of all 2011 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 mountings2.9× usual
  Honda CR-Z

  3.2% All 2011 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.4% of all 2011 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 2011 Honda CR-Z petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2011 Honda CR-Z petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  30% 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
  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
  25% 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
  6% 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 2011 Honda CR-Z petrol

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 2.2× as often on the 2011 Honda CR-Z petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 3× as often on the 2011 Honda CR-Z petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2011 Honda CR-Z petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?