2004 Honda FR-V: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Honda FR-V?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Honda FR-V than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Coil springs2.6× usual
  Honda FR-V

  27.8% All 2004 cars

  10.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 2.7% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.1× usual
  Honda FR-V

  19.4% All 2004 cars

  9.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 2.1% of all 2004 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints3.2× usual
  Honda FR-V

  12.6% All 2004 cars

  4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 1.5% of all 2004 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.

• Track rod ends2.1× usual
  Honda FR-V

  13.8% All 2004 cars

  6.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 3% of all 2004 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.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.1× usual
  Honda FR-V

  13.1% All 2004 cars

  6.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.2%, against 2.9% of all 2004 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 2004 Honda FR-V MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Honda FR-V MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  65% 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
  42% 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
  37% 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
  34% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  21% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Exhaust and emissions
  16% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 Honda FR-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 coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2004 Honda FR-V as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2004 Honda FR-V as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.2× as often on the 2004 Honda FR-V as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?