1998 Honda Civic · 4,687 MOT tests
1998 Honda Civic reliability
1998 Honda Civics fail 41.2% of first MOT tests, 14% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 24 of 25 Civic years (4,687 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 1998 Honda Civic?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all Honda Civics: 32.6%)
- 41.2%
- first-time fail rate (all Honda Civics: 32.6%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 14% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- 93,161
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 4,687
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1998 against the years either side
- 1997 cars: 23% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1998 car does better)
- 1999 cars: about average for its age (the 1998 car does worse)
- Weak spot: steering, 6.7% of tests fail here (107% above cars of the same age and mileage).
Common problems
What fails on a 1998 Honda Civic
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics17.7%
- Body, chassis and structure14%
- Suspension12.5%
- Brakes12.1%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks9.6%
- Tyres6.7%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.7%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
CV joint boot split or insecure 4.74%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 4.44%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Stop lamp not working 3.99%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Position lamp not working 3.69%
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 3.11%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Steering rack gaiter no longer sealed 2.99%
A damaged gaiter lets dirt into the steering rack, causing wear and possibly costly repairs later.
Common advisories
Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (12.52%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (11.05%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (9.28%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (8.43%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (7.81%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (7.68%)
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 1998 Honda Civic reliable?
1998 Honda Civics fail 41.2% of first MOT tests, 14% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 24 of 25 Civic years (4,687 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1998 Honda Civic MOT?
Most often cv joint boot split or insecure (4.74% of tests), suspension mounting area seriously corroded (4.44% of tests), stop lamp not working (3.99% of tests).
How many miles should a 1998 Honda Civic have done?
At its MOT aged about 25, a typical 1998 Honda Civic shows 93,161 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
Check a 1998 Honda Civic free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.