2017 Honda Stepwagon: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2017 Honda Stepwagon?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2017 Honda Stepwagon than on all cars registered in 2017.

• Headlights16.4× usual
  Honda Stepwagon

  18% All 2017 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.5%, against 1% of all 2017 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.

• Number plate lights6.4× usual
  Honda Stepwagon

  12.1% All 2017 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.6% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

Common 2017 Honda Stepwagon MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2017 Honda Stepwagon MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  41% 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
  40% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  30% 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
  23% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  8% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2017 Honda Stepwagon

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

1. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 16.4× as often on the 2017 Honda Stepwagon as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 6.4× as often on the 2017 Honda Stepwagon as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?