Honda HR-V years to avoid? MOT pass rate by year
All 7 Honda HR-V years have MOT pass rates above the average for vehicles first used in the same year.
- Below the average for their first-use yearNone
- Above the average for their first-use year2015–2020 and 2022
- Can't be told apart from averageNone
The MOT pass rate is one signal, not the whole story. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't record gearbox or engine faults, and a pass rate also reflects mileage and upkeep, so the table shows median mileage too. Whatever the year, the car in front of you matters more than its model's average.
First-time pass rate, all years together: initial tests passed with no repairs. 95% range 87.9% to 88.6%.
In 2025, 88.3% of the 36,420 initial MOT tests on Honda HR-V cars were passed with no repairs. The same-age average, for all vehicles first used in the same years, was 80.8%. That is 7.4 points above the same-age average.
In our tables of the highest MOT pass rates by age: joint 1st of 160 cars first used in 2022; joint 8th of 145 cars first used in 2020; joint 5th of 173 cars first used in 2018; joint 9th of 167 cars first used in 2015.
Check a specific HR-V
Honda HR-V MOT pass rate by year
| Year | Chart | Testsmedian miles | Passed first time | Against all vehicles that year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022age 3 | 6,34520,000 | 95.3%±0.6 | +6.8 ptsall: 88.5% | |
| 2020age 5 | 3,70329,200 | 91.2%±1.0 | +5.2 ptsall: 86.0% | |
| 2019age 6 | 4,85934,800 | 91.1%±0.9 | +7.6 ptsall: 83.5% | |
| 2018age 7 | 6,07843,000 | 88.7%±0.9 | +7.8 ptsall: 80.9% | |
| 2017age 8 | 5,82752,000 | 86.0%±1.0 | +7.8 ptsall: 78.2% | |
| 2016age 9 | 6,84760,000 | 82.2%±1.0 | +7.3 ptsall: 74.9% | |
| 2015age 10 | 2,76169,400 | 81.9%±1.5 | +10.0 ptsall: 71.9% |
Tests are initial MOT tests in 2025, not retests. Median miles is the middle odometer reading at the test: half had more, half had less. ± is the 95% margin of error in points (Wilson interval): a difference smaller than that could be chance. Years without a link have fewer than 10,000 tests, so they are listed here but don't have their own page.
When a car's mileage doesn't add upDoes mileage matter?
93.8% of Honda HR-V tests under 30,000 miles passed first time, against 75.9% at 90,000 to 119,999 miles. For all vehicles of the same age and mileage, the figures are 89.6% and 70.1%.
| Miles at the test | Tests | Passed first time | Against all vehicles, same age and mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 30,000 | 11,835 | 93.8%±0.5 | +4.2 ptsall: 89.6% |
| 30,000–59,999 | 15,228 | 88.8%±0.6 | +7.1 ptsall: 81.6% |
| 60,000–89,999 | 6,848 | 82.4%±1.0 | +7.8 ptsall: 74.6% |
| 90,000–119,999 | 1,951 | 75.9%±2.0 | +5.8 ptsall: 70.1% |
Against all vehicles of the same age and mileage, HR-V tests were above average in every band shown.
Mileage is only one factor. How a car has been driven and looked after matters too. These figures show an association across all Honda HR-V tests in 2025, not what mileage does to a particular car.
Mileage is the odometer reading at the initial test. Each band is compared with all vehicles first used in the same year with a reading in the same band, weighted by this model's own tests in each year. Bands need at least 1,000 tests. Not shown, with fewer than 1,000 tests: 120,000 or more. 18 tests (under 0.1%) had no usable odometer reading and are left out. How we count
Common HR-V problems at the MOT
MOT records show roadworthiness faults, not engine or gearbox problems. Each year page compares that year's failure areas with all vehicles first used in the same year.
Most common MOT failures on the Honda HR-V
| Defect | Share of failed tests | All vehicles, same age |
|---|---|---|
| Brake pads less than 1.5 mm thickBrakes | 16.9%724 tests | 8.7% |
| Wiper does not clear the windscreen effectivelyWindscreen, wipers, mirrors | 16.7%714 tests | 7.9% |
| Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cordsTyres | 9.8%420 tests | 7.5% |
| Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mmTyres | 9.7%415 tests | 9.5% |
| Washer provides insufficient washer liquidWindscreen, wipers, mirrors | 6.3%269 tests | 4.7% |
| Shock absorber has a serious fluid leakSuspension | 6.0%256 tests | 2.6% |
| Suspension arm pin or bush excessively wornSuspension | 5.1%220 tests | 3.4% |
| Tyre pressure monitoring system malfunctioning or obviously inoperativeTyres | 4.4%187 tests | 3.7% |
| Headlamp aim too lowLights and electrics | 4.0%170 tests | 4.0% |
| Headlamp aim too highLights and electrics | 3.8%162 tests | 3.3% |
These are failures recorded at initial MOT tests in 2025. Retests are not counted. "All vehicles, same age" is the same defect's share of failed tests for all vehicles first used in the same years, weighted by the HR-V's failed tests in each year. How we count
What to check when viewing a HR-V
Tyres
- Check the tread on every tyre. The legal minimum for cars is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread.
- Look for cuts, bulges, and wear on only the inner or outer edge, which can point to an alignment problem.
- Check that the spare wheel or the tyre repair kit is there.
Windscreen, wipers, mirrors
- Look for chips and cracks in the windscreen, especially in front of the driver.
- Run the wipers and washers. The blades should clear the screen without smearing.
- Check both door mirrors and the rear-view mirror are intact and adjust.
Brakes
- On a clear road, brake firmly. The car should stop in a straight line without juddering or pulling to one side.
- Check the handbrake holds the car on a slope.
- Look through the wheels at the brake discs for deep grooves or a raised lip at the edge.
Lights and electrics
- Ask the seller to help you check every light: dipped and main beam, brake lights, indicators, fog lights and the number plate lamp.
- Look for cracked, misted or yellowed headlight lenses.
- Warning lights on the dashboard should come on with the ignition and go out once the engine starts.
Then read the car's own MOT history. Advisories in the same area at several tests are worth asking about.
Check a HR-V's MOT historyAfter an MOT advisory
Tyres
Of Honda HR-V cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a tyre advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 6.2% failed on tyres, against 3.1% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 4,364 and 17,441 cars.
Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 7.9% of those with a tyre advisory and 7.2% of the others.
Brakes
Of Honda HR-V cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a brake advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 7.3% failed on brakes, against 2.9% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 2,549 and 19,068 cars.
Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 8.2% of those with a brake advisory and 7.2% of the others.
Suspension
Of Honda HR-V cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a suspension advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 8.7% failed on suspension, against 3.4% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 1,364 and 20,122 cars.
Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 10.8% of those with a suspension advisory and 7.1% of the others.
Similar cars are the same model, first-use year and mileage band. Areas are the DVSA's top-level groups, so the later fail may not be the fault that was advised. These figures describe what happened to these cars. They don't show what a repair would have changed.
How we worked this outAll models compared, with the dataHonda HR-V questions
Which Honda HR-V years have lower MOT pass rates?
Compared with all vehicles first used in the same year, no model year is clearly below average. Above average: 2015–2020 and 2022. A pass rate is one signal: it also reflects mileage and upkeep, and doesn't record engine or gearbox faults.
Is the Honda HR-V reliable?
MOT results show only part of the picture. In 2025, 88.3% of initial MOT tests on Honda HR-V cars were passed with no repairs, against a same-age average of 80.8%. That is 7.4 points above average. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't measure breakdowns, engine or gearbox faults, or repair costs.
What are the most common Honda HR-V problems at the MOT?
The most common failure areas are tyres (in 30.4% of failed tests), windscreen, wipers, mirrors (in 26.3% of failed tests) and brakes (in 23.2% of failed tests). A failed test can count in more than one area.
What mileage is normal for a 10-year-old Honda HR-V?
At their 2025 MOT tests, Honda HR-V cars first used in 2015, about 10 years old, had a median of 69,400 miles. Half had more and half had less.
How do I check a specific HR-V's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free check. It lists that car's own MOT results, the faults and advisories recorded and the mileage at each test, and flags repeated advisories and mileage that goes down.
Check a car's MOT history for freeWhat MOT data can't tell you about any Honda HR-V
Outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and plate changes aren't in MOT records. For a particular car, you need a history check.
Compare history checksWhat MOT history doesn't showOther Honda models
- Honda Jazz+6.4 pts against the same-age average
- Honda Civic+0.8 pts against the same-age average
- Honda CR-V+6.5 pts against the same-age average
- Honda Accord+2.4 pts against the same-age average
- Honda Insight+7.0 pts against the same-age average
- Honda FR-V−2.7 pts against the same-age average
Points above (+) or below (−) the same-age average for all vehicles.
Cars ranked by MOT pass rate, by ageSource: DVSA anonymised MOT tests, 2025. For guidance only: these figures describe all Honda HR-V cars tested, not the one you're looking at. How we count