Honda occupies a distinctive position in the UK used car market: the brand has a reliability reputation earned over decades, and the Civic attracts buyers who prioritise engineering integrity. The tenth-generation FK Civic (2017–2021) is one of the most practical and driver-focused family hatchbacks in the used market, with the 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo engines broadly well-regarded. The main caveat is the documented 1.5 VTEC Turbo oil dilution issue, particularly relevant in the UK's cooler climate, which Honda addressed with a recall and software update on affected vehicles. Checking for recall completion is essential before purchase.
Common issues to watch for on a used Honda
These are the recurring concerns documented in the used Honda market. A Carhealth check surfaces the data behind each one, from MOT advisory history to finance checks.
01
1.5 VTEC Turbo petrol oil dilution
The 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo engine has been associated with petrol contaminating the engine oil on cars used predominantly for short journeys in cold conditions. When the engine does not reach full operating temperature, unburned petrol can wash down the cylinder walls and dilute the oil, reducing its protective properties. Honda issued a recall and software update for affected UK vehicles. Confirm with the seller whether the recall has been completed, and check the dipstick oil for any petrol-like smell.
02
Brake disc corrosion on low-mileage examples
Used Civic FK models that have covered low mileage or been inactive for extended periods can develop brake disc surface corrosion, causing judder under initial braking. This is a characteristic of underused brakes rather than a manufacturing defect, but heavy corrosion may require disc and pad replacement. MOT advisories for brake disc condition are surfaced within the full Carhealth advisory history.
03
Honda Connect infotainment compatibility
The Honda Connect system relies on a companion smartphone app for navigation and connected features. As the app has been revised, some functions on older head units have been deprecated or require software updates to maintain full functionality. This is a comfort concern rather than a safety issue, but buyers expecting a fully connected experience should verify current compatibility during a test drive.
04
Rear suspension wear on higher-mileage examples
The Civic FK's rear suspension is tuned for composure, and higher-mileage examples can develop worn rear dampers and bushings. MOT advisories referencing rear suspension play or damper condition will surface in the full advisory history within the Carhealth report, giving a clearer picture than a single physical inspection.
05
Finance on used Civics
Honda Finance UK supports PCP and HP agreements on new cars, and used Civics in the private market can originate from unsettled finance agreements. A Carhealth check checks finance records supplied by Experian to confirm the vehicle is finance-free before you commit to a purchase.
Honda recalls: DVSA data
DVSA lists 30 safety recalls for Honda cars and light vans launched since January 2017. The most in a single year is 2019, with 7.
Recalls launched each year
20171
20186
20197
20204
20212
20221
20230
20245
20252
20262
2026 runs to 8 October 2026.
Models named in the most recalls
1Civic11 recalls
2CR-V10 recalls
3Jazz9 recalls
4Accord6 recalls
5Insight4 recalls
A recall can name several models, so these counts overlap. Popular models also sell in far larger numbers, so a high count is not a ranking of quality.
Most recent Honda recalls
R/2026/025
Civic
Civic Wheel Steel Bushes Missing (Accessory)
R/2026/012
eNY 1
23-24M e:Ny1 Combination Meter Total Mileage Display Malfunction
R/2025/024
CR-V E:hev, CR-V e Phev, Civic E:HEV
22-25M Civic and Other Models EPS Gear Box Worm Wheel Swelling Failure 6JP
R/2025/025
CR-V E:hev, CR-V e Phev
Trailer Hitch Incorrect Part Number Label Attached (Accessory)
R/2024/476
CR-V E:hev, CR-VP, Civic E:EHEV
23-25M High Pressure Fuel Pump Solenoid Component Part Breakage - 6YP
23-24M ZR-V and Others Overspeed Alarm Inoperative
R/2023/357
Crv E HEV, Crv Hybrid
Battery Cable Contact Short Circuit Problem
Why this matters on a used Honda: an outstanding safety recall should be fixed free of charge by a franchised dealer, whoever owns the car now. The recall list above covers the make as a whole, not one car. A Carhealth report flags outstanding recalls for the specific vehicle you are looking at. You can also run the free GOV.UK recall check.
Source: DVSA vehicle recalls data, downloaded 8 October 2026. Cars and light vans only; each recall counted once.
Honda MOT pass rates
In 2024, 71.4% of the 897,422 Honda cars tested passed their MOT first time, against 71.6% for all cars. Comparing like with like by age, Honda is 9.9 points above the all-cars rate for cars 9 to 11 years old and 0.6 points above the all-cars rate for cars 12 years and older.
First-time pass rate by age of car
Cars aged 3 to 5 years90.0%
All cars 85.9%, so 4.1 points above the all-cars rate. 109,737 tests.
Cars aged 6 to 8 years85.8%
All cars 78.7%, so 7.1 points above the all-cars rate. 152,650 tests.
Cars aged 9 to 11 years79.1%
All cars 69.2%, so 9.9 points above the all-cars rate. 151,824 tests.
Cars aged 12 years and older60.1%
All cars 59.5%, so 0.6 points above the all-cars rate. 483,211 tests.
The blue tick on each bar is the all-cars rate for that age. Older cars fail more often, so compare within an age band.
Most common reasons for failing
1Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment47.4%
2Suspension30.3%
3Brakes27.2%
4Tyres19.1%
5Visibility18.1%
Share of 257,058 Honda cars that failed first time and had at least one fault in that DVSA category. A car can fail in several, so shares add up to more than 100%. The blue tick is the all-cars share.
Honda models: first-time pass rate by age
First-time MOT pass rate for the most tested Honda models, by age of car
Model
3-5 yrs
6-8 yrs
9-11 yrs
12+ yrs
Tests
Honda Jazz
91.0%
87.7%
80.6%
61.7%
319,309
Honda Civic
86.5%
83.2%
75.0%
56.0%
272,397
Honda CR-V
91.3%
86.4%
81.1%
61.1%
194,718
Honda HR-V
91.6%
86.2%
-
58.7%
32,058
Honda Accord
-
-
72.6%
59.4%
26,289
Honda Insight
-
-
72.4%
68.4%
8,753
All Honda cars
90.0%
85.8%
79.1%
60.1%
897,422
A dash means fewer than 1,000 tests in that age band, too few to quote.
These figures describe Honda cars as a group. An MOT checks roadworthiness on the day, not running costs, so a high pass rate is not a promise about the car in front of you. A Carhealth report shows that car's own MOT history, including past failures and advisories. See how Honda compares with every other make in the MOT pass rate rankings.
Source: Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) anonymised mot tests and results, 2024, Open Government Licence v3.0. Cars only, normal tests, cars aged 3 years or more.
Honda model buyer's guides
In-depth guides to the most popular used Honda models in the UK: what to check, what to avoid, and what a fair price looks like.
Every used Honda check covers four critical risk areas, in one instant report.
Outstanding Finance
Checks finance records supplied by Experian for any active HP or PCP agreement. If found, the lender can repossess the car even from an innocent buyer.
Insurance Write-Off
Cat A, B, S, and N insurance write-off status checked against insurer write-off records supplied by Experian. Free tools cannot show this.
Mileage Verification
Cross-references DVSA MOT odometer readings across the vehicle's lifetime to flag any mileage discrepancies or clocking.
Stolen Vehicle Check
Checks police-sourced records supplied by Experian for an active stolen marker against the vehicle.
What's included in your Honda check
How Carhealth compares to traditional vehicle check services.
Best value
Carhealth Report
from
£19.99
Standard checks
Vehicle Tax Check
MOT History (Full)
Stolen Vehicle Check* (data provided by Experian)
Insurance Write-off Check* (data provided by Experian)
Mileage Verification* (data provided by Experian)
Scrapped/Imported Status* (data provided by Experian)
Outstanding Finance Check* (data provided by Experian)
Only with Carhealth
AI Analysis
Buyers Guide
Maintenance Required
Common Problems
Also in every report
Salvage & auction records* (data provided by Experian)
Common questions about used Honda history check on Carhealth
The tenth-generation Civic FK is broadly very reliable: Honda's engineering reputation is well earned and the FK is regarded as one of the more dependable family hatchbacks available used. The main exception is the 1.5 VTEC Turbo oil dilution issue, which was subject to a Honda recall. Confirm the recall has been carried out for any 1.5T Civic you are considering. The 1.0-litre VTEC Turbo is a simpler unit with a clean reliability record.
In cold conditions, a common UK scenario, frequent short journeys can prevent the 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo engine from reaching optimal operating temperature. When this happens, unburned petrol can enter the crankcase and dilute the engine oil, reducing lubrication effectiveness. Honda addressed this with a software update to adjust the engine's warm-up strategy. Ask whether the recall was completed, and check the dipstick: contaminated oil often smells noticeably of petrol and may read above the maximum mark.
The 1.0-litre VTEC Turbo is sufficient for everyday use and avoids the oil dilution concern linked to the 1.5T. It suits town and mixed driving well and is cheaper to tax. The 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo offers considerably more performance and is better suited to motorway driving, but confirm the oil dilution recall has been carried out. For the Type R FK8, the 2.0-litre VTEC Turbo is a dedicated performance unit with no oil dilution issue.
Run a Carhealth history check. Honda Financial Services UK supports both PCP and HP agreements on new cars, and used Civics in the private market can originate from unsettled agreements. The Carhealth report checks finance records supplied by Experian to confirm whether any active arrangement is recorded against the vehicle.
A Civic FK with a documented service history is generally resilient to higher mileage: Honda engines are well-built and long-lived when maintained. A car with under 70,000 miles and a full service history is a solid starting point. Higher-mileage examples are not inherently problematic, but scrutinise the service record for regular oil changes, especially important for the 1.5T given the oil dilution history, and check the MOT advisory record via a Carhealth report for brake and suspension condition.
