2004 Honda Stepwagon 2.4L Petrol · AD04 SAJ

The most recent DVSA MOT test on this 2004 Honda Stepwagon, dated 22 June 2026, presents a split outcome that warrants careful attention. On the same date, the vehicle was issued a PASS certificate with no defects recorded, yet a separate MOT submission on the same day resulted in a FAIL due to a major defect concerning the anti-lock braking system warning lamp, indicating an ABS fault under section 1.6 (b). The presence of an illuminated ABS warning lamp signifies that the self-diagnostic system has detected a malfunction within the anti-lock braking circuit, which could originate from a failed wheel speed sensor, a wiring or connector fault at one of the hubs, a faulty ABS relay, or in older vehicles like this, degradation of the ABS modulator or hydraulic unit. Importantly, an ABS failure does not compromise the fundamental service brake operation, meaning the vehicle retains standard stopping capability, but the anti-lock function, which prevents wheel lock-up during heavy braking on slippery surfaces, is disabled. Prior to this, the vehicle passed cleanly in July 2025 and July 2023, with only a single advisory recorded in August 2024 regarding a non-excessive oil leak from the engine oil pressure switch and oil filter area. The overall maintenance trend appears broadly stable, though the recent ABS fault is an immediate concern that must be rectified before the vehicle can be considered roadworthy for sale. The recorded mileage of 132,668 miles over approximately 22 years equates to an annual average of roughly 6,030 miles, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age, particularly one of the people-carrier or multi-purpose vehicle category that may have seen mixed family and utility use. There are no significant gaps in annual MOT testing between 2023 and 2026, suggesting the vehicle has remained in continuous use rather than being laid up for extended periods, which is generally favourable for mechanical condition. The mileage progression between tests is consistent with steady, modest annual use, which tends to be kinder to engines, transmissions, and drivetrain components than either extremely low usage that encourages corrosion and fluid degradation, or very high annual mileages that accelerate wear on suspension, braking, and clutch components. The relatively modest annual usage also means the vehicle has not been excessively worked, although components subject to calendar-based degradation, such as rubber seals, coolant, and brake fluid, will still have aged regardless of mileage. Given the recorded ABS warning lamp defect and the advisory relating to engine oil seepage, a prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of these specific areas before purchase. The ABS fault should be professionally diagnosed using a compatible scan tool capable of interrogating Honda ABS systems, with particular attention paid to the four wheel speed sensors, their tone rings, and the associated wiring looms, as these are the most common failure points on vehicles of this age. A test drive should include firm braking from moderate speed on a loose or uneven surface to feel for any pulsing, abnormal pedal feedback, or warning light behaviour, although with the ABS disabled, the test will primarily confirm standard braking function. The advisory oil leak from the oil pressure switch and oil filter housing should be inspected from underneath the vehicle with the engine warm, checking for fresh seepage, oily residue on the sump or subframe, and verifying that the oil filter housing gasket and switch sealing washer are intact; the switch itself is a relatively inexpensive component to replace, but prolonged seepage can mask more serious gasket failures. Beyond the documented defects, a vehicle of this age and mileage, even with a generally clean MOT record, requires diligent physical inspection. Tyres should be examined closely for sidewall perishing and cracking, as rubber compounds degrade with age regardless of tread depth, and any tyres older than six years should be replaced as a matter of safety. The braking system should be checked for disc corrosion, pad seizure, and caliper binding, particularly given the likely periods of light running, which can cause surface rust on discs and lead to uneven pad wear. The 12-volt battery should be load-tested, as batteries in older vehicles frequently fail without warning, and all fluid services, including engine coolant, brake fluid, and automatic or manual transmission oil, should be verified against calendar intervals rather than purely mileage, as time-based degradation of coolant corrosion inhibitors and brake fluid hygroscopic absorption can compromise system integrity. Finally, the underbody should be inspected for structural corrosion, paying particular attention to suspension mounting points, subframe integrity, and brake and fuel line condition, all of which are common concerns on a 22-year-old vehicle regardless of its recorded MOT pass history.