2004 Honda Stream: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Honda Stream?

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

• Headlights2.2× usual
  Honda Stream

  28.4% All 2004 cars

  13.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.4%, against 4.9% of all 2004 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.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.1× usual
  Honda Stream

  19.1% All 2004 cars

  9.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.1%, 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 Stream

  12.6% All 2004 cars

  4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, 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.

• Chassis rust or damage3.3× usual
  Honda Stream

  11.9% All 2004 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1.1% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

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

• Brake pads2.2× usual
  Honda Stream

  16.2% All 2004 cars

  7.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.8%, against 1.9% of all 2004 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.

Common 2004 Honda Stream MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  60% 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
  44% 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
  38% 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
  27% 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
  17% 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 Stream

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 2.2× as often on the 2004 Honda Stream 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 Stream 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 Stream as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?