2004 Honda CR-V: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Honda CR-V?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Honda CR-V than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Headlights2.1× usual
  Honda CR-V

  27.5% All 2004 cars

  13.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.1%, against 4.9% of all 2004 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.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.5× usual
  Honda CR-V

  23.2% All 2004 cars

  9.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 2.1% of all 2004 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints3.7× usual
  Honda CR-V

  14.9% All 2004 cars

  4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 1.5% of all 2004 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.

• Ball joint dust cover3.2× usual
  Honda CR-V

  14.9% All 2004 cars

  4.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 1.8% of all 2004 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 ends2.3× usual
  Honda CR-V

  14.9% All 2004 cars

  6.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 3% of all 2004 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 2004 Honda CR-V MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Honda CR-V MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  60% 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
  49% 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
  39% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  14% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  12% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Known faults on the 2004 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 2004 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 headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2004 Honda CR-V as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2004 Honda CR-V as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.7× as often on the 2004 Honda CR-V as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?