1999 Honda HR-V: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1999 Honda HR-V?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1999 Honda HR-V than on all cars registered in 1999.

• Headlights2.6× usual
  Honda HR-V

  16.4% All 1999 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.3%, against 3% of all 1999 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints5.2× usual
  Honda HR-V

  11.5% All 1999 cars

  2.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 0.7% of all 1999 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× usual
  Honda HR-V

  16.8% All 1999 cars

  8.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.9%, against 4.4% of all 1999 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.

• Track rod ends2× usual
  Honda HR-V

  9.2% All 1999 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 1.6% of all 1999 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.

Common 1999 Honda HR-V MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 Honda HR-V MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  48% 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
  30% 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
  28% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  15% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  15% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1999 Honda HR-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 headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 1999 Honda HR-V as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 5.2× as often on the 1999 Honda HR-V as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 1999 Honda HR-V as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?