Honda CR-V Mk4: best and worst years, and what goes wrong
How each year of the Honda CR-V Mk4 did at the MOTs done during 2023–2025, compared with other cars the same age, the weak spots that keep coming up, and what to check before you buy one. From 271,414 MOT tests.
Which Honda CR-V Mk4 years are best and worst at their MOT?
First-time MOT pass rate for each year of the Honda CR-V Mk4, against all cars registered the same year. Older cars fail more, so the comparison with cars the same age is what matters.
| Year | Pass first time | All cars that year | Stands out | MOT tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012* | 75% | 64% +11 | Individual direction indicators 2.4× usual | 37,188 |
| 2013 | 81% | 67% +14 | Brake lights 2× usual | 42,130 |
| 2014 | 83% | 70% +13 | Brake lights 3× usual | 43,941 |
| 2015 | 84% | 74% +10 | Pedal 8× usual | 42,809 |
| 2016 | 86% | 77% +9 | Nothing unusual | 42,221 |
| 2017 | 87% | 80% +7 | Brake lights 2.4× usual | 35,474 |
| 2018* | 89% | 83% +6 | Brake lights 5.7× usual | 27,651 |
Common Honda CR-V Mk4 MOT failures, year after year
Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year of this generation. Repeat findings like these are much less likely to be chance.
- Brake lightsup to 3× usual
Stands out in 4 years: 2017, 2015, 2014, 2013.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.
- Anti-roll bar link jointsup to 2.3× usual
Stands out in 3 years: 2015, 2014, 2013.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Ball joint dust coverup to 2× usual
Stands out in 3 years: 2015, 2014, 2013.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
What usually goes wrong with the Honda CR-V Mk4?
From owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Not every car will have them.
Takata airbag recalls
Most CR-V recalls covered faulty Takata airbags.
Check: Ask a Honda dealer to check the VIN for outstanding airbag work.
Source: Auto Express: used Honda CR-V Mk4 problems and recalls
Fuel pump recall
Honda replaced faulty fuel pumps under a 2020 recall.
Check: Ask a Honda dealer to confirm it's done.
Source: Auto Express: used Honda CR-V Mk4 problems and recalls
Rough diesel start-up
The diesels can be rough when starting. An engine software update can help.
Check: Start from cold and listen to the idle.
Source: Auto Express: used Honda CR-V Mk4 problems and recalls
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting each car's main test of the year (not retests). A weak spot needs at least 30 cars flagged and must stay 1.5× the usual rate even at the cautious end of a 95% confidence range. Generation years are approximate: cars registered in a changeover year (*) can be either generation. How we score
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