2002 Honda CR-V: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2002 Honda CR-V?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2002 Honda CR-V than on all cars registered in 2002.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints3× usual
  Honda CR-V

  25% All 2002 cars

  8.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 1.8% of all 2002 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.

• Headlights2.3× usual
  Honda CR-V

  24.3% All 2002 cars

  10.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.4%, against 4.2% of all 2002 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 joints4.6× usual
  Honda CR-V

  14.3% All 2002 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 1.1% of all 2002 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 pads2.3× usual
  Honda CR-V

  15% All 2002 cars

  6.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 1.6% of all 2002 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.

• Ball joint dust cover2.9× usual
  Honda CR-V

  12.1% All 2002 cars

  4.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 1.5% of all 2002 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.

Common 2002 Honda CR-V MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2002 Honda CR-V MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  62% 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
  47% 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
  42% 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
  31% 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 mirrors
  16% 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
  14% 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 2002 Honda CR-V

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.

• Cutting out from EGR valve

  All engines

  Some cars cut out or lose power because of a faulty EGR valve.

  At the viewing: Look for a replaced EGR valve in the service history and make sure it pulls cleanly.

  Source: What Car?: Honda CR-V (2002-2006) reliability

• Tyre and seatbelt recalls

  All engines

  A small number of cars were recalled for possible tyre sidewall damage and a seatbelt anchorage problem.

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

  Source: What Car?: Honda CR-V (2002-2006) reliability

• Underbody damage

  All engines

  Long overhangs and a low exhaust box can hit the ground off-road.

  At the viewing: Look underneath for scrapes and a dented exhaust.

  Source: RAC: Honda CR-V (2002-2006) used car review

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2002 Honda CR-V

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

1. Has the EGR valve ever been replaced?
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 3× as often on the 2002 Honda CR-V as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2002 Honda CR-V as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.6× as often on the 2002 Honda CR-V as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?