Used car guide · 1975–2026

Honda Civic common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong on a used Honda Civic, year by year: known faults from UK buying guides, the parts flagged at MOT more than on other cars (from 834,686 MOTs done during 2023–2025), and what to check before you buy one.

The 1988 Honda Civic

Our MOT figures start with cars first registered in 1990. There are no known faults on record for this year in the UK buying guides we use, so the rest of this page covers the Honda Civic as a whole.

123on the UK register at the end of 2025
Petrolmost common fuel (also diesel)
What to check on a 1988 car
  • MOT history

    Check the reg below: its MOT history shows what has been failed or advised, and whether the mileage adds up.

  • Service history

    Look for regular servicing and receipts for big jobs like a cambelt or clutch.

  • Finance and write-offs

    MOT records don’t show outstanding finance or insurance write-offs. A history check does.

  • Test drive

    Listen for knocks over bumps, check every warning light goes out, and make sure the gears and brakes feel right.

Other years

Most years have their own guide. The year is when the car was first registered (it’s on the logbook, or check the reg below).

20262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219791978197719761975

Generation guides: Honda Civic Mk8 (2006–2012) · Honda Civic Mk9 (2012–2017) · Honda Civic Mk10 (2017–2022)

What usually goes wrong with a Honda Civic?

Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.

  • Brake pedal recall

    Cars registered 2009–2010 · All engines

    Cars built between August 2009 and April 2010 were recalled because a faulty pin in the brake pedal could lengthen stopping distances.

    At the viewing: Run the free DVSA recall check on the reg.

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

  • Fuel pump recall (built Jan 2018 to Mar 2019)

    Cars registered 2018–2019 · Built Jan 2018 to Mar 2019

    Faulty fuel pumps on cars built January 2018 to March 2019 could cut the engine out while driving. There were also recalls for emissions software (built to March 2018) and side airbags.

    At the viewing: Ask a Honda dealer to confirm the recalls were done.

    Source: Auto Express: used Honda Civic (Mk10, 2017-2022) buyer’s guide

  • Oil use (2.2 i-CTDi diesel)

    Cars registered 2006–2011 · 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

    Cars registered 2006–2011 · 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)

    Cars registered 2006–2011 · 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

  • Clutch-start software recall (early diesels)

    Cars registered in 2012 · Diesel built up to Sept 2012

    A small number of diesels built up to September 2012 could start in gear without the clutch pressed. Honda fixed it with a software update.

    At the viewing: Ask a Honda dealer to confirm the update was done.

    Source: Auto Express: used Honda Civic Mk9

  • Poor starting from cold (diesel)

    Cars registered 2006–2011 · 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

    Cars registered 2006–2011 · 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

    Cars registered 2006–2011 · 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

    Cars registered 2006–2011 · 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

3 more known faults

  • Apple CarPlay and touchscreen problems

    Cars registered 2017–2022 · All engines

    Some owners report CarPlay not working properly, and the touchscreen can be unresponsive.

    At the viewing: Connect your phone and try the screen.

    Source: Auto Express: used Honda Civic (Mk10, 2017-2022) buyer’s guide

  • Automatic wipers that stop working

    Cars registered 2012–2016 · All engines

    The rain-sensing wipers can stop working properly. Fixes range from a battery reset to a new sensor or a software update.

    At the viewing: Switch the wipers to auto and spray the windscreen.

    Source: Auto Express: used Honda Civic Mk9

  • Uneven panel gaps

    Cars registered 2012–2016 · All engines

    Some owners report uneven gaps between panels, especially around the tailgate. It can also hide a past repair, so it's worth a close look.

    At the viewing: Look along the tailgate and doors for gaps that differ side to side.

    Source: Auto Express: used Honda Civic Mk9

Common Honda Civic MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, for each fuel on its own. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.

Petrol

  • Headlights

    up to 2.7× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010.

    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 absorbers

    up to 2.3× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010.

    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 cover

    up to 2.2× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2012 and 2013.

    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 ends

    up to 2.1× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010.

    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 aim

    up to 1.6× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

    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.

  • Side repeaters

    up to 3.3× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2006 and 2008.

    Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

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

Diesel

  • Headlights

    up to 3.7× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

    Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

  • Brake pads

    up to 1.8× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019 and 2020.

    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.

  • Track rod ends

    up to 2.3× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2006, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2015, 2017 and 2018.

    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.

  • Anti-roll bar link joints

    up to 3.1× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010 and 2011.

    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.

  • Shock absorbers

    up to 3× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011.

    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 cover

    up to 3× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2004, 2005 and 2007.

    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.

Hybrid

  • Headlights

    up to 3× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

    Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

  • Track rod ends

    up to 2.8× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2008 and 2009.

    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.

  • Engine warning light

    up to 2.7× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2007 and 2008.

    Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

  • Suspension arm bushes and joints

    up to 1.9× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2007 and 2008.

    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.

Electric

  • Engine warning light

    up to 2.7× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2007 and 2008.

    Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

  • Track rod ends

    up to 2.1× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2007 and 2008.

    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.

  • Anti-roll bar bushes and joints

    up to 5× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2007.

    Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

    At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

  • Chassis rust or damage

    up to 2.4× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2007.

    Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

  • Rust around suspension or steering mountings

    up to 2.2× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2008.

    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.

  • Steering rack inner joints

    up to 2.2× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2008.

    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.

Honda Civic MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2015 Honda Civic did best (81% passed first time, 7 points above all 2015 cars) and the 2010 did worst (56%, 4 points below all 2010 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

YearPass first timeAll cars that yearMOT tests
202396%92% +4106 (small sample)
202294%89% +51,423
202190%87% +39,722
202090%87% +316,717
201987%85% +237,647
201885%83% +240,248
201784%80% +443,390
201683%77% +648,160
201581%74% +744,652
201477%70% +742,908
201374%67% +745,597
201271%64% +739,112
201159%62% -333,295
201056%60% -450,086
200956%59% -357,140
200855%57% -263,059
200755%57% -268,363
200654%56% -243,999
200556%57% -138,412
200456%57% -132,054
200354%57% -323,129
200254%58% -420,098
200154%60% -613,821
200063%61% +25,245
199962%63% -14,379
199859%65% -63,251
199759%65% -62,753
199661%66% -51,821
199572%67% +51,143
199473%67% +6735
199373%68% +5601
199275%69% +6569
199173%71% +2687
199077%72% +5364 (small sample)

Questions to ask the seller before buying a Honda Civic

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

  1. Has the brake pedal recall been done?
  2. Has the fuel pump recall been done?
  3. Has the engine software recall been done?
  4. Have the wipers or rain sensor had any work?
  5. Has the car had any bodywork?
  6. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.1× as often on the Honda Civic as on other cars the same age.)

Looking at a Honda Civic?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, whether it already shows these weak spots and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Where this comes from: MOT figures are the DVSA’s anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, grouped by the year each car was first registered. How many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score