CARMOTIQ Model Research Report
Honda CR-V
2016–2021
The Honda CR-V MOT pass rate for cars first registered 2016–2021 is 90.4% across 246,880 official UK DVSA tests. This report then covers more than 223,062 recorded defect notes for Honda CR-V models in that registration band. It shows common faults, MOT pass rates and maintenance trends to help you research the model before you buy.
Unlike a registration check, this report analyses how thousands of similar Honda CR-V models have performed at MOT over time—not just one vehicle.
Report Dataset
- Official UK DVSA MOT tests analysed
- 246,880
- Recorded defect notes
- 223,062
- Registration era
- 2016–2021
- Coverage
- United Kingdom
- Snapshot
- 17 August 2026
- Research method
- Aggregated model-level MOT analysis
MOT pass rate
90.4%
of MOT tests passed
MOT tests analysed
246,880
Defect notes recorded
223,062
Key Findings
Honda CR-V (2016–2021)
- 90.4% MOT pass rate across 246,880 tests.
- 71% of recorded defect notes relate to owner maintenance.
- Tyres account for the largest volume of recorded MOT issues.
- Engine management (MIL) warnings are the most common recurring systemic issue.
- Headlamp alignment appears throughout the vehicle's life, from low to higher mileages.
Honda CR-V Research Summary
Based on over 246,880 official UK MOT tests, Honda CR-V models registered between 2016 and 2021 achieve a strong 90.4% MOT pass rate.
The overwhelming majority of recorded MOT defects relate to routine owner maintenance, with tyres, lighting and washer systems accounting for most common faults seen on used examples in this age band.
Recurring systemic faults occur far less frequently, although engine management warning lamp (MIL) defects appear consistently across the dataset.
Overall, the data suggests that this generation of Honda CR-V is more likely to fail MOT due to maintenance items than widespread design faults, making service history and routine upkeep particularly important when buying used. Shoppers comparing a used Honda CR-V should treat this research summary as model-level context before inspecting any individual car.
What this doesn't tell you
This report describes model-level MOT trends, not the condition of any individual vehicle.
Two identical Honda CR-V models can have very different maintenance histories.
Use this report to understand common patterns before inspecting a specific car.
How we classify MOT faults
We group recorded DVSA defect wording into four research categories to help identify whether issues are more likely to reflect routine maintenance, expected wear, recurring model patterns or miscellaneous inspection outcomes.
- Owner maintenance
- Defects often linked to day-to-day upkeep — for example tyres, lamps, washers and other items a careful owner can usually prevent or fix promptly.
- Wear & tear
- Age- and mileage-related deterioration that accumulates with normal use, even when a car has been looked after.
- Systemic
- Recurring wording and patterns that appear across the model fleet and may point to design, component or known-model tendencies rather than one careless owner.
- Other
- Inspection outcomes that do not sit cleanly in the three groups above, including mixed or less classifiable defect notes.
How MOT failures break down
Share of recorded defect notes by category for Honda CR-V in this age band (not MOT tests and not number of vehicles).
- Owner maintenance
71.3% · 158,993
defect notes
- Wear & tear
9.6% · 21,424
defect notes
- Systemic
1.6% · 3,507
defect notes
- Other
17.5% · 39,138
defect notes
Severity mix
How those defect notes were graded — advisory, minor, major or dangerous — summed across categories for this model band.
Advisory
180,395
defect notes
Minor
18,729
defect notes
Major
15,728
defect notes
Dangerous
8,210
defect notes
Most Common Owner-Maintenance Faults
DVSA wording grouped as owner maintenance for this model and age band.
Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
- Recorded
- 57,327 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 5.2.3 (e)
What it means
Tread is close to (or at) the legal minimum, or wear is concentrated on an edge. That often points to alignment, pressure or suspension issues as well as simple age.
Why it happens
Under-inflation, poor alignment, aggressive driving or simply delayed replacement push tread below a safe/legal profile.
Buyer tip
Measure tread across the full width, check tyre age (DOT date) and look for uneven inner-edge wear.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Headlamp aim too low
- Recorded
- 5,017 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 4.1.2 (a)
What it means
This MOT defect usually indicates incorrect headlamp alignment following adjustment, suspension movement or repair work.
Why it happens
Aim drifts after suspension work, bumper repairs, bulb changes or simply from road vibration over time.
Buyer tip
Check beam alignment during inspection and ask whether the lamps were aimed after any recent suspension or bodywork.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Windscreen washer not working
- Recorded
- 1,595 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 3.5 (a)
What it means
Washer jets are not delivering fluid. Testers need a clear screen; empty reservoirs, blocked jets or failed pumps are common.
Why it happens
Empty bottles, frozen/blocked jets, split pipes or a failed pump stop fluid reaching the screen.
Buyer tip
Top up fluid, test the jets on the driveway, and check for cracked bottles or split pipes in the engine bay.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Tyre pressure monitoring system malfunctioning or obviously inoperative
- Recorded
- 1,318 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 5.2.3 (h)
What it means
The tyre pressure monitoring system is reporting a fault or is clearly not working, so you may not get a dashboard warning of under-inflation.
Why it happens
Flat battery sensors after tyre changes, damaged valves or control-module faults are common.
Buyer tip
Confirm whether sensors need replacing after recent tyre or wheel work, and check pressures manually anyway.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Shock absorbers has light misting of oil
- Recorded
- 611 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 5.3.2 (b)
What it means
A damper mounting bush is worn, which can cause knocks, vague handling and accelerated tyre wear.
Why it happens
Rubber bushes harden and tear with age, road salt and repeated suspension movement.
Buyer tip
Listen for clunks over speed bumps and have a mechanic check top mounts and lower bushes.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed
- Recorded
- 163 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 7.1.2 (b)
What it means
Seat-belt webbing is frayed or lightly damaged, which can weaken the belt in a crash.
Why it happens
Abrasion at guides, trapped belts or age fray the webbing fibres.
Buyer tip
Pull each belt fully out and inspect for cuts, fraying and weak retraction.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Valve stem slightly damaged
- Recorded
- 130 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 5.2.3 (j)
What it means
This wording appears on DVSA MOT records for this model. It flags a tester-observed defect or advisory that can affect safety, legality or a future pass.
Why it happens
These issues often build up when routine checks are skipped between services — tyres, lamps and washers are typical examples.
Buyer tip
Ask the seller for invoices covering this item, and have an independent inspector confirm whether it is still present.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect
- Recorded
- 128 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 4.1.2 (c)
What it means
This MOT defect usually indicates incorrect headlamp alignment following adjustment, suspension movement or repair work.
Why it happens
Aim drifts after suspension work, bumper repairs, bulb changes or simply from road vibration over time.
Buyer tip
Check beam alignment during inspection and ask whether the lamps were aimed after any recent suspension or bodywork.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Most Common Wear & Tear Faults
DVSA wording grouped as wear and tear for this model and age band.
Brake pedal wearing smooth rubber worn
- Recorded
- 165 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 1.1.2 (c)
What it means
The brake pedal rubber is worn smooth, reducing grip for your foot in the wet.
Why it happens
The pedal rubber wears through with daily use and is often left until an MOT flags it.
Buyer tip
A new pedal rubber is inexpensive — treat smooth pedals as a quick owner-maintenance fix.
Severity
Usually wear related
Brake performance unable to be tested Front Brakes Worn to Metal
- Recorded
- 6 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 1.2.1 (g)
What it means
Service brake performance could not be fully verified, or a brake is binding/fluctuating. That often points to worn discs, seized calipers or hub issues.
Why it happens
Seized caliper slides, worn discs or contaminated friction material upset brake balance.
Buyer tip
Insist on a road test and a proper brake inspection; unresolved binding can destroy pads and hubs.
Severity
Usually wear related
Service brake binding but not excessively Worn/discoloured
- Recorded
- 3 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 1.2.1 (f)
What it means
Service brake performance could not be fully verified, or a brake is binding/fluctuating. That often points to worn discs, seized calipers or hub issues.
Why it happens
Seized caliper slides, worn discs or contaminated friction material upset brake balance.
Buyer tip
Insist on a road test and a proper brake inspection; unresolved binding can destroy pads and hubs.
Severity
Usually wear related
Lower Suspension locking device missing ball joint
- Recorded
- 2 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 5.3.6 (b)
What it means
This wording appears on DVSA MOT records for this model. It flags a tester-observed defect or advisory that can affect safety, legality or a future pass.
Why it happens
Components age with mileage and road use, even when a car has been looked after carefully.
Buyer tip
Ask the seller for invoices covering this item, and have an independent inspector confirm whether it is still present.
Severity
Usually wear related
Exhaust emissions likely to be affected by an exhaust leak
- Recorded
- 2 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 8.2.1.1 (b)
What it means
Emissions could not be completed cleanly, or a leak is likely to upset the reading. Common causes include exhaust leaks, misfires, DPF issues or an engine that will not idle correctly.
Why it happens
Leaks before the sample point, misfires, DPF problems or unstable idle prevent a valid emissions result.
Buyer tip
Listen for blow-by at joints, check for recent exhaust/DPF work, and avoid cars that need “easier” emissions excuses.
Severity
Usually wear related
Brake relay lever worn but not seriously weakened
- Recorded
- 2 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 1.1.15 (b)
What it means
This wording appears on DVSA MOT records for this model. It flags a tester-observed defect or advisory that can affect safety, legality or a future pass.
Why it happens
Components age with mileage and road use, even when a car has been looked after carefully.
Buyer tip
Ask the seller for invoices covering this item, and have an independent inspector confirm whether it is still present.
Severity
Usually wear related
Steering head bearings has excessive wear or free play
- Recorded
- 1 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 2.2.2 (g)
What it means
This wording appears on DVSA MOT records for this model. It flags a tester-observed defect or advisory that can affect safety, legality or a future pass.
Why it happens
Components age with mileage and road use, even when a car has been looked after carefully.
Buyer tip
Ask the seller for invoices covering this item, and have an independent inspector confirm whether it is still present.
Severity
Usually wear related
Emissions not tested due to exhaust leak
- Recorded
- 1 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 8.2.2.2 (e)
What it means
Emissions could not be completed cleanly, or a leak is likely to upset the reading. Common causes include exhaust leaks, misfires, DPF issues or an engine that will not idle correctly.
Why it happens
Leaks before the sample point, misfires, DPF problems or unstable idle prevent a valid emissions result.
Buyer tip
Listen for blow-by at joints, check for recent exhaust/DPF work, and avoid cars that need “easier” emissions excuses.
Severity
Usually wear related
Most Common Systemic Faults
DVSA wording grouped as systemic patterns for this model and age band.
Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction
- Recorded
- 629 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 8.2.2.2 (g)
What it means
The engine management warning lamp is on or not working. Stored faults can affect emissions, drivability and future MOT results.
Why it happens
Sensors, emissions equipment or wiring faults store codes that illuminate the MIL.
Buyer tip
Ask for a diagnostic printout and proof that the underlying fault — not just the lamp — was fixed.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction
- Recorded
- 332 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 8.2.1.2 (h)
What it means
The engine management warning lamp is on or not working. Stored faults can affect emissions, drivability and future MOT results.
Why it happens
Sensors, emissions equipment or wiring faults store codes that illuminate the MIL.
Buyer tip
Ask for a diagnostic printout and proof that the underlying fault — not just the lamp — was fixed.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material
- Recorded
- 61 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 1.1.11 (c)
What it means
A brake pipe is damaged or heavily corroded. Pipe failure can cause sudden loss of braking effort.
Why it happens
Road salt, stone chips and age corrode metal pipes, especially along the underbody.
Buyer tip
Inspect metal pipes along the underbody and near calipers; corroded pipes should be replaced before you rely on the car.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread Cracked
- Recorded
- 26 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 0.1 (b)
What it means
The number plate is cracked, deteriorated or hard to read. Plates must remain legible and securely fitted.
Why it happens
Age, stone chips, poor replacements or mounts that flex crack or fade plates.
Buyer tip
Budget for legal replacement plates; check fixing and any bike-rack or tow-bar obstruction.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Steering locking device missing
- Recorded
- 19 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 2.1.3 (d)
What it means
The steering lock is missing or ineffective. That affects theft protection and can be an MOT failure item.
Why it happens
Column locks wear, or aftermarket work interferes with the lock mechanism.
Buyer tip
Confirm the steering lock engages with the key removed and investigate any aftermarket column work.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Drive shaft damaged but serviceable
- Recorded
- 7 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 6.1.7 (e)
What it means
This wording appears on DVSA MOT records for this model. It flags a tester-observed defect or advisory that can affect safety, legality or a future pass.
Why it happens
When similar DVSA wording appears across many examples, it can reflect shared components or recurring model tendencies rather than one careless owner.
Buyer tip
Ask the seller for invoices covering this item, and have an independent inspector confirm whether it is still present.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Brake pedal wearing smooth and clutch pedal
- Recorded
- 5 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 1.1.2 (c)
What it means
The brake pedal rubber is worn smooth, reducing grip for your foot in the wet.
Why it happens
The pedal rubber wears through with daily use and is often left until an MOT flags it.
Buyer tip
A new pedal rubber is inexpensive — treat smooth pedals as a quick owner-maintenance fix.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Emissions unable to be completed engine stalls
- Recorded
- 3 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 8.2.2.2 (e)
What it means
Emissions could not be completed cleanly, or a leak is likely to upset the reading. Common causes include exhaust leaks, misfires, DPF issues or an engine that will not idle correctly.
Why it happens
Leaks before the sample point, misfires, DPF problems or unstable idle prevent a valid emissions result.
Buyer tip
Listen for blow-by at joints, check for recent exhaust/DPF work, and avoid cars that need “easier” emissions excuses.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Recent year-by-year category counts
Defect-note totals by calendar year in the serving extract (not MOT tests, not vehicles, and not a prediction).
| Year | Owner maintenance | Wear & tear | Systemic | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| defect notes | defect notes | defect notes | defect notes | |
| 2021 | 15,938 | 1,136 | 326 | 4,155 |
| 2022 | 22,417 | 1,843 | 383 | 4,922 |
| 2023 | 27,684 | 3,098 | 538 | 5,515 |
| 2024 | 32,377 | 4,781 | 653 | 6,761 |
| 2025 | 32,971 | 6,531 | 918 | 7,877 |
| 2026 | 12,625 | 3,076 | 376 | 3,291 |
Buying a used Honda CR-V: practical MOT checks
- Measure tyre tread across the full width and check age (DOT date) before you buy.
- Ask for a full service history that matches the mileage.
- Compare this model with a peer in the same age band, not against a single registration check alone.
- Confirm any warning lamps (engine management, ABS, SRS) are investigated, not just cleared.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the Honda CR-V MOT pass rate for 2016–2021?
- In this extract, Honda CR-V shows a 90.4% MOT pass rate across 246,880 recorded DVSA tests.
- What drives most Honda CR-V MOT defect notes?
- About 71% of recorded defect notes are classed as owner maintenance, with tyres among the highest-volume items.
- Is this the same as checking one registration on GOV.UK?
- No. GOV.UK shows one vehicle. This page aggregates MOT outcomes for the Honda CR-V model in a fixed UK registration age band so you can research the model before you shortlist cars.