Used car guide

2009 Honda FR-V: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2009 Honda FR-Vs, from 1,111 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

1,111MOT tests in 2025
60%pass first time (all 2009 cars: 58%)
7,400typical miles a year
2.4×the usual rate for headlights

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2009 Honda FR-Vs than on all cars registered in 2009.

  • Headlights2.4× usual
    Honda FR-V
    20.2% All 2009 cars
    8.3%

    Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 3.9% of all 2009 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 joints3.5× usual
    Honda FR-V
    14.8% All 2009 cars
    4.2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 1.6% of all 2009 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.

  • Brake pads1.9× usual
    Honda FR-V
    16.5% All 2009 cars
    8.7%

    Failed outright at MOT: 5.7%, against 2.1% of all 2009 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.

  • Rust around suspension or steering mountings3.1× usual
    Honda FR-V
    9.6% All 2009 cars
    3.1%

    Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 1.4% of all 2009 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.

  • Ball joint dust cover2.5× usual
    Honda FR-V
    11.1% All 2009 cars
    4.4%

    Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 1.8% of all 2009 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.

Better than most

Shock absorbers: 2.6% here, against 7.5% of all 2009 cars. Sub-frame: 3.8% here, against 7.7% of all 2009 cars.

By area

The share of 2009 Honda FR-V MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    55% 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
    41% 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
    37% 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
    35% 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
    12% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    10% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Looking at a Honda FR-V?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20081,482Suspension 60%
20071,413Suspension 60%
20061,046Suspension 66%
2005774Suspension 66%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2009 Honda FR-Vs registered in 2009. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score