2009 Honda FR-V diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Honda FR-V diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Honda FR-V diesel than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Anti-roll bar link joints4.2× usual
  Honda FR-V

  17.1% All 2009 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.7%, against 1.6% of all 2009 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.

• Headlights2.7× usual
  Honda FR-V

  18.8% All 2009 cars

  7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 3.7% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings5× usual
  Honda FR-V

  12% All 2009 cars

  2.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.6%, against 1.1% of all 2009 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.

• Brake pads1.8× usual
  Honda FR-V

  16.1% All 2009 cars

  8.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 2.2% of all 2009 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.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints9.4× usual
  Honda FR-V

  6.6% All 2009 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 0.2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  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.

Common 2009 Honda FR-V diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 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
  54% 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
  39% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  38% 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.

• 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  12% 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
  12% 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 2009 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 anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.2× as often on the 2009 Honda FR-V diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2009 Honda FR-V diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 5× as often on the 2009 Honda FR-V diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?