2007 Honda Civic: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2007 Honda Civic?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2007 Honda Civic than on all cars registered in 2007.

• Headlights1.8× usual
  Honda Civic

  20.7% All 2007 cars

  11.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.8%, against 4.5% of all 2007 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.

• Shock absorbers1.9× usual
  Honda Civic

  15% All 2007 cars

  7.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 2.1% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Ball joint dust cover2× usual
  Honda Civic

  9.1% All 2007 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 1.8% of all 2007 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

  9.9% All 2007 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 2.5% of all 2007 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.

• Headlight aim1.6× usual
  Honda Civic

  9.5% All 2007 cars

  6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.5%, against 6% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £20–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Park facing a wall at night or in a garage and check both headlight beams sit level. Aim is a cheap adjustment.

Common 2007 Honda Civic MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2007 Honda Civic MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  53% 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
  45% 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
  35% 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
  33% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  9% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Exhaust and emissions
  8% 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.

Known faults on the 2007 Honda Civic

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Oil use (2.2 i-CTDi diesel)

  2.2 i-CTDi diesel

  The 2.2 diesel can use noticeable oil between services. Honda changed the oil it recommends to a thicker 5W-30 to help.

  At the viewing: Check the oil level on the dipstick, and ask how often it needs topping up.

  Source: Parkers: Honda Civic (2006-2011) used review

• Handbrake ratchet recall

  All engines

  There was a recall for a handbrake ratchet that could be faulty.

  At the viewing: Ask for proof the recall was done, and check the handbrake holds firmly.

  Source: Parkers: Honda Civic (2006-2011) used review

• Clutch and flywheel wear (diesel)

  Diesel

  Diesels may need a new clutch and dual-mass flywheel at around 80,000 miles.

  At the viewing: Listen for rattles at idle and check the clutch bites smoothly, not right at the top.

  Source: What Car?: Honda Civic (2006-2012) reliability

• Poor starting from cold (diesel)

  Diesel

  Low-mileage diesels can foul their glow plugs, and they need the right heavy-duty battery to start well.

  At the viewing: Ask to start it from cold. Be wary if the engine has been warmed up before you arrive.

  Source: Parkers: Honda Civic (2006-2011) used review

• Squealing brakes and quick-wearing rear pads

  All engines

  The brakes can squeal and the rear pads wear quickly, especially with cheap replacement pads.

  At the viewing: Look at the rear pads and check the handbrake doesn’t pull up too far.

  Source: Parkers: Honda Civic (2006-2011) used review

• Misty light units

  All engines

  Front and rear light units can mist up in damp weather because of poor seals and breathers.

  At the viewing: Look for condensation inside the headlights and rear lights.

  Source: Parkers: Honda Civic (2006-2011) used review, What Car?: Honda Civic (2006-2012) reliability

• Soft paint and interior rattles

  All engines

  The paint chips easily, and squeaks, rattles and worn seat bolsters are common.

  At the viewing: Look over the paint for chips and listen for rattles on rough roads.

  Source: What Car?: Honda Civic (2006-2012) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2007 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 headlights? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2007 Honda Civic as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2007 Honda Civic as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2007 Honda Civic as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?