2003 Honda Civic: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Honda Civic?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Honda Civic than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.3× usual
  Honda Civic

  20.4% All 2003 cars

  8.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 1.8% of all 2003 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.

• Ball joint dust cover2.5× usual
  Honda Civic

  11.9% All 2003 cars

  4.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 1.8% of all 2003 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.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings1.9× usual
  Honda Civic

  12.3% All 2003 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.3%, against 3.2% of all 2003 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.7× usual
  Honda Civic

  8.5% All 2003 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 1.1% of all 2003 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.

• Track rod ends1.8× usual
  Honda Civic

  11.6% All 2003 cars

  6.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 2.7% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

Common 2003 Honda Civic MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Honda Civic MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  56% 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
  43% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• 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.

• Tyres
  32% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  13% 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
  12% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Honda Civic

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2003 Honda Civic as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2003 Honda Civic as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2003 Honda Civic as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?