Honda CR-Z MOT pass rate and common problems
81.2% of 5,913 Honda CR-Z MOT tests pass.
The CR-Z has a pass rate of 81.2%, a little higher than the average across all Honda models (79.4%).
The Honda CR-Z has a pass rate of 81.2%, a little higher than the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Honda CR-Z?
This is the average across every Honda CR-Z in the dataset. Look up your own registration for its actual MOT history, and a free place to keep its maintenance records.
Have service invoices? Upload and keep them with your car’s history →
How to check and keep your Honda’s service history →
Pass rate by vehicle age
Pass rate declines noticeably with age, from 91.3% at 6–10 years to 80.9% at 10–15 years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | too few tests (8) | 8 | no reading |
| 3–6 years | too few tests (7) | 7 | no reading |
| 6–10 years | 91.3% | 183 | 53,385 miles |
| 10–15 years | 80.9% | 5,714 | 90,331 miles |
| 15+ years | too few tests (1) | 1 | no reading |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Honda CR-Z
The most common reason the Honda CR-Z fails its MOT is brakes — present in 52.6% of failed tests, most often logged as "Excessively binding".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 52.6% | Excessively binding |
| Suspension | 33.5% | Ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 27.2% | Too low |
| Tyres | 21.6% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Visibility | 12.0% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Body, chassis, structure | 10.2% | Has a major leak of exhaust gases |
| Steering | 5.8% | Ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 2.2% | Emissions likely to be affected by an exhaust leak |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 1.7% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
| Identification of the vehicle | 1.2% | Does not conform to the specified requirements |
Buying a used Honda CR-Z: what to check
These checks follow the Honda CR-Z’s own MOT record: the areas it fails on most often, and how that changes as the car gets older. None of them replaces a mechanic’s inspection, but they tell you where to look first.
The biggest drop in pass rate for the Honda CR-Z comes between 6–10 years and 10–15 years old, from 91.3% to 80.9%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 0–30,000 mi to 30,000–60,000 mi: 94.5% down to 87.5%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Brakes
Recorded in 52.6% of failed Honda CR-Z MOTs. 11.7% of tests at 10–15 years failed on brakes, against 5.5% at 6–10 years.
On the test drive, the car should stop straight without pulling or juddering, and the handbrake should hold it on a slope. Look through the wheels for scored or heavily lipped discs.
2. Suspension
Recorded in 33.5% of failed Honda CR-Z MOTs. 7.6% of tests at 10–15 years failed on suspension, against 0.5% at 6–10 years.
Listen for knocks over bumps and speed humps, and check the car sits level. Push down on each corner: it should settle rather than keep bouncing.
3. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 27.2% of failed Honda CR-Z MOTs. 6.1% of tests at 10–15 years failed on lights and electrics, against 1.6% at 6–10 years.
Walk round with the lights on: headlights (dipped and main), indicators, brake lights, fog light and number-plate lamp. Check the dashboard warning lights come on with the ignition, then go out once the engine starts.
4. Tyres
Recorded in 21.6% of failed Honda CR-Z MOTs.
Check tread depth across the whole width of every tyre, including the inner edge. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems. Look for cuts and bulges in the sidewalls.
5. Windscreen and wipers
Recorded in 12.0% of failed Honda CR-Z MOTs.
Look for windscreen chips and cracks in the driver’s line of sight, and check the wipers clear the screen and the washers work.
Check the car’s own MOT history. Averages describe the model, not the car in front of you. Look up its registration for past failures, advisories that were never fixed, and gaps or dips in the recorded mileage.
Ask for the service history. Invoices show what was done and when; a stamp alone shows less. See how to check Honda service history and what a service history check can tell you.
Related Honda models
- Honda Jazz Crosstar — 97.5% pass rate
- Honda S2000 — 85.8% pass rate
- Honda Stepwagon — 84.3% pass rate
- Honda Civic Sport Vtec — 95.6% pass rate
- Honda Civic SR Vtec — 95.0% pass rate
- Honda Integra — 89.6% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Honda CR-Z?
- 81.2% of Honda CR-Z MOT tests pass, based on 5,913 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Honda CR-Z?
- The most common reason the Honda CR-Z fails its MOT is brakes — present in 52.6% of failed tests, most often logged as "Excessively binding".
- What are the common problems with the Honda CR-Z?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Honda CR-Z are brakes; suspension; lights and electrics. 11.7% of tests at 10–15 years failed on brakes, against 5.5% at 6–10 years.
- What should I check when buying a used Honda CR-Z?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: brakes; suspension; lights and electrics; tyres; windscreen and wipers. Then check the specific car's MOT history by registration for failures, advisories and mileage, and ask the seller for service invoices.
- Does this show the Honda CR-Z's service history?
- No — this is MOT test data, which covers roadworthiness, not servicing. A service history is a separate record of maintenance work, which a specific car only has if its owner has kept it. See the Honda service history guide for how to check and keep one.