1997 Honda Civic 1.5i Vtec-2 MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Civic 1.5i Vtec-2 models manufactured in 1997, based on 591 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
This page shows all Civic 1.5i Vtec-2 cars tested in 1997. Want to see how cars built in 1997 hold up over time?
View 1997 Honda Civic 1.5i Vtec-2 vintage page → (44.7% current pass rate)1997 Honda Civic 1.5i Vtec-2 MOT Analysis
The 1997 Honda Civic 1.5i Vtec-2 has an MOT pass rate of 43.8% based on 591 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 105,235 miles on the odometer. With a 56.2% failure rate, the 1997 Civic 1.5i Vtec-2 is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1997 Honda Civic 1.5i Vtec-2 is Suspension, responsible for 1.4% of failures. Suspension failures typically involve worn bushes, leaking shock absorbers, broken coil springs, and damaged suspension arms. These affect ride quality, tyre wear, and road holding. Typical repair costs range from £200–500. Brakes is the second most common issue at 0.2%. Steering follows at 0.2%.
Top failures specific to 1997 models only. The overall Civic 1.5i Vtec-2 page may show different rankings.
What Fails Most
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
View as table
| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 1.4% | 8 |
| 2 | Brakes | 0.2% | 1 |
| 3 | Steering | 0.2% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 105,235 miFor every 10,000 miles driven, this shows what percentage of MOT tests fail for each category. This accounts for how far cars are actually driven, not just raw pass/fail counts.
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| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 0.13 | 1.4% | 8 |
| Brakes | 0.02 | 0.2% | 1 |
| Steering | 0.02 | 0.2% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1997 Honda Civic 1.5i Vtec-2 has an MOT pass rate of 43.8% based on 591 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 105,235 miles on the odometer. With a 56.2% failure rate, the 1997 Civic 1.5i Vtec-2 is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1997 Honda Civic 1.5i Vtec-2, be prepared for above-average maintenance costs. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to suspension: Look for uneven tyre wear, listen for clunking over bumps, and check if the car pulls to one side. A bouncy ride suggests worn shock absorbers. Visually inspect coil springs for cracks. With an average mileage of 105,235 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Suspension — 1.4% of failures
Suspension issues account for 1.4% of MOT failures on 1997 Honda Civic 1.5i Vtec-2 models. Suspension failures typically involve worn bushes, leaking shock absorbers, broken coil springs, and damaged suspension arms. These affect ride quality, tyre wear, and road holding. Typical repair costs: £200–500. Pre-MOT check: Look for uneven tyre wear, listen for clunking over bumps, and check if the car pulls to one side. A bouncy ride suggests worn shock absorbers. Visually inspect coil springs for cracks.
Brakes — 0.2% of failures
Brakes issues account for 0.2% of MOT failures on 1997 Honda Civic 1.5i Vtec-2 models. Brake-related failures include worn brake pads, corroded brake discs, leaking brake lines, and faulty brake servos. These are safety-critical components — any brake deficiency will result in an MOT fail. Typical repair costs: £150–400. Pre-MOT check: Listen for squealing or grinding noises. Check brake pedal feel — if it feels spongy or goes to the floor, have the system inspected immediately. Look at brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes (minimum 3mm).
Steering — 0.2% of failures
Steering issues account for 0.2% of MOT failures on 1997 Honda Civic 1.5i Vtec-2 models. Steering failures include excessive play in the steering wheel, leaking power steering fluid, worn track rod ends, and damaged steering rack. These affect vehicle control and are closely related to suspension wear. Typical repair costs: £150–600. Pre-MOT check: Check for excessive steering wheel play (more than a few inches of free movement). Listen for whining from the power steering pump. Look for fluid leaks under the car near the front wheels.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.