1997 Honda Civic · 1,702 MOT tests
1997 Honda Civic reliability
1997 Honda Civics fail 44.1% of first MOT tests, 23% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 25 of 25 Civic years (1,702 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Honda Civics: 32.6%)
- 44.1%
- first-time fail rate (all Honda Civics: 32.6%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 23% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- 91,060
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,702
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1997 against the years either side
- 1996 cars: 12% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1997 car does worse)
- 1998 cars: 14% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1997 car does worse)
- Weak spot: steering, 7.3% of tests fail here (132% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: seat belts and airbags, 24% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1997 Honda Civic
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics20%
- Body, chassis and structure14.4%
- Suspension11.8%
- Brakes11.5%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks8.8%
- Steering7.3%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors7.2%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
CV joint boot split or insecure 6.7%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 6.11%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Steering rack gaiter no longer sealed 5.23%
A damaged gaiter lets dirt into the steering rack, causing wear and possibly costly repairs later.
Stop lamp not working 4.88%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Position lamp not working 4.88%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 4.17%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Common advisories
Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (16.27%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (13.69%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (11.57%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (11.1%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (10.58%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (10.16%)
Other years
Every Honda Civic year
The full picture: Honda Civic reliability. Before you pay for any Honda Civic, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 1997 Honda Civic reliable?
1997 Honda Civics fail 44.1% of first MOT tests, 23% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 25 of 25 Civic years (1,702 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1997 Honda Civic MOT?
Most often cv joint boot split or insecure (6.7% of tests), suspension mounting area seriously corroded (6.11% of tests), steering rack gaiter no longer sealed (5.23% of tests).
How many miles should a 1997 Honda Civic have done?
At its MOT aged about 25, a typical 1997 Honda Civic shows 91,060 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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