2008 Honda Jazz: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2008 Honda Jazzs, from 19,320 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 2008 Honda Jazzs than on all cars registered in 2008.
- Rigid brake pipes2.3× usualHonda Jazz22.4% All 2008 cars9.6%Rough price £100–£400
At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.
- Headlamp1.9× usualHonda Jazz20.6% All 2008 cars10.7%Rough price £40–£400
At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.
- Suspension arm bushes and joints1.5× usualHonda Jazz17.2% All 2008 cars11.3%Rough price £100–£300
At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
- Front strut mounts and bushes6.3× usualHonda Jazz5.7% All 2008 cars0.9%Rough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
Engine oil leaks: 2.4% here, against 12.5% of all 2008 cars. Drive shaft (CV) joints: 1.7% here, against 7.2% of all 2008 cars.
By area
The share of 2008 Honda Jazz MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes49% 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.
- Suspension48% 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 electrics39% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres33% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors12% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Exhaust and emissions11% 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.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 16,765 | Tyres 25% |
| 2018 | 20,160 | Tyres 25% |
| 2017 | 17,923 | Tyres 25% |
| 2016 | 18,370 | Tyres 26% |
| 2015 | 17,755 | Tyres 26% |
| 2014 | 20,095 | Tyres 27% |
| 2013 | 21,145 | Tyres 28% |
| 2012 | 21,517 | Tyres 28% |
| 2011 | 19,949 | Brakes 29% |
| 2010 | 21,624 | Lights and electrics 34% |
| 2009 | 23,240 | Lights and electrics 35% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2008 Honda Jazzs registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score