2010 Honda Jazz: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2010 Honda Jazz?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2010 Honda Jazz than on all cars registered in 2010.

• Headlights2.6× usual
  Honda Jazz

  17.7% All 2010 cars

  6.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 3.6% of all 2010 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.

• Brake pads1.7× usual
  Honda Jazz

  15.2% All 2010 cars

  9.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 2.2% of all 2010 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.

• Track rod ends1.6× usual
  Honda Jazz

  8.6% All 2010 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 2.7% of all 2010 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.

• Link ball joint covers1.7× usual
  Honda Jazz

  4.7% All 2010 cars

  2.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 1.6% of all 2010 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 2010 Honda Jazz MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2010 Honda Jazz MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Lights and electrics
  34% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Suspension
  31% 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.

• 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.

• Brakes
  31% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  4% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

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

Known faults on the 2010 Honda Jazz

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.

• Brake recalls

  All engines

  Recalls covered a brake pedal pin that could come off (cars built February to April 2010) and brake fluid leaks (2013).

  At the viewing: Ask a Honda dealer to check the VIN, and look for brake fluid leaks.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Honda Jazz Mk2 buying guide

• Creaks and rattles

  All engines

  Rear suspension can creak in cold weather, and a rear seat bar can rattle.

  At the viewing: Listen over bumps on the test drive.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Honda Jazz Mk2 buying guide

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2010 Honda Jazz

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

1. Have the brake recalls been done?
2. Any creaks or rattles?
3. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2010 Honda Jazz as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2010 Honda Jazz as on other cars the same age.)
5. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 1.6× as often on the 2010 Honda Jazz as on other cars the same age.)
6. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?