2011 Honda CR-Z: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2011 Honda CR-Zs, from 1,422 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2011 Honda CR-Zs than on all cars registered in 2011.
- Ball joint dust cover4× usualHonda CR-Z12.5% All 2011 cars3.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 1.3% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Track rod ends2.3× usualHonda CR-Z12.4% All 2011 cars5.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 2.6% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Braking performance1.8× usualHonda CR-Z9.7% All 2011 cars5.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 2.1% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.
- Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.5× usualHonda CR-Z3.7% All 2011 cars1.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.6% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Chassis rust or damage2.3× usualHonda CR-Z2.3% All 2011 cars1%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0.2% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimateAt the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
Suspension arm bushes and joints: 4.1% here, against 10.8% of all 2011 cars. Number plates: 1.7% here, against 4.1% of all 2011 cars.
By area
The share of 2011 Honda CR-Z MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension38% 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.
- Brakes30% 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.
- Tyres26% 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.
- Lights and electrics17% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors7% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Rust and bodywork6% 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.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 616 | Brakes 34% |
| 2010 | 1,259 | Suspension 36% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2011 Honda CR-Zs registered in 2011. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score