Honda Jazz common problems and MOT failures

What usually goes wrong with a Honda Jazz?

Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.

• Brake recalls

  Cars registered 2008–2014 · All engines

  Recalls covered a brake pedal pin that could come off (cars built February to April 2010) and brake fluid leaks (2013).

  At the viewing: Ask a Honda dealer to check the VIN, and look for brake fluid leaks.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Honda Jazz Mk2 buying guide

• Whining manual gearbox

  Cars registered 2002–2007 · Manual gearbox

  Worn gearbox bearings cause a whir when accelerating that goes away in neutral with the clutch down. The gearbox has to come out to fix it.

  At the viewing: Accelerate in each gear and listen for a whine, then compare in neutral with the clutch pressed.

  Source: Haynes: Honda Jazz Mk1 common problems (2001-2008)

• CVT automatic slow to change

  Cars registered 2002–2007 · CVT automatic

  The CVT automatic can be jerky pulling away and slow to change ratio, often because its fluid wasn’t changed. Honda says every 25,000 miles.

  At the viewing: Pull away gently several times and accelerate steadily. Ask for proof of CVT fluid changes.

  Source: Haynes: Honda Jazz Mk1 common problems (2001-2008)

• Airbag warning light

  Cars registered 2002–2007 · All engines

  The airbag control unit can fail and light the airbag warning, even on cars that had airbag recall work.

  At the viewing: Make sure the airbag light goes out after starting, and ask whether recall work was done.

  Source: Haynes: Honda Jazz Mk1 common problems (2001-2008)

• Creaks and rattles

  Cars registered 2008–2014 · All engines

  Rear suspension can creak in cold weather, and a rear seat bar can rattle.

  At the viewing: Listen over bumps on the test drive.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Honda Jazz Mk2 buying guide

• Surging at a steady speed

  Cars registered 2002–2007 · All engines

  Surging at a constant throttle usually comes from worn spark plugs (there are eight) or a failing crank sensor.

  At the viewing: Drive at a steady 30–40mph and feel for the car surging.

  Source: Haynes: Honda Jazz Mk1 common problems (2001-2008)

• Door locks that seize

  Cars registered 2002–2007 · All engines

  The door locks can seize, so the remote won’t lock or unlock and the key won’t turn.

  At the viewing: Lock and unlock with the remote and with the key in each door.

  Source: Haynes: Honda Jazz Mk1 common problems (2001-2008)

Common Honda Jazz MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, for each fuel on its own. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.

Petrol

• Link ball joint covers

  up to 2.1× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

  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.

• Suspension arm

  up to 2.4× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

  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.

• Wipers

  up to 1.6× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2012 and 2014.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

Hybrid

• Rear fog light

  up to 4.6× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2011 and 2012.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Headlights

  up to 1.9× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2011 and 2012.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

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

Honda Jazz MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2013 Honda Jazz did best (80% passed first time, 13 points above all 2013 cars) and the 2005 did worst (54%, 3 points below all 2005 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a Honda Jazz

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

1. Have the brake recalls been done?
2. Has the gearbox been noisy, or had any work?
3. Any creaks or rattles?
4. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the Honda Jazz as on other cars the same age.)
5. Any recent work on the front strut mounts and bushes? (Flagged at MOT 11.1× as often on the Honda Jazz as on other cars the same age.)
6. Any recent work on the braking performance? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the Honda Jazz as on other cars the same age.)