2005 Honda FR-V diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 Honda FR-V diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 Honda FR-V diesel than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings3.9× usual
  Honda FR-V

  20.8% All 2005 cars

  5.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 12.1%, against 2.6% of all 2005 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints4.3× usual
  Honda FR-V

  18.3% All 2005 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.2%, against 1.6% of all 2005 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.

• Coil springs2× usual
  Honda FR-V

  20.4% All 2005 cars

  10.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 2.9% of all 2005 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.

• Brake pads2.1× usual
  Honda FR-V

  17.4% All 2005 cars

  8.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.8%, against 2% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Braking performance1.8× usual
  Honda FR-V

  13.5% All 2005 cars

  7.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 3% of all 2005 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.

Common 2005 Honda FR-V diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 Honda FR-V diesel 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
  42% 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
  39% 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
  23% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  13% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2005 Honda FR-V diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 3.9× as often on the 2005 Honda FR-V diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.3× as often on the 2005 Honda FR-V diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2005 Honda FR-V diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?