2012 Honda CR-V 2.0L Petrol · GU12 ABZ

The most recent MOT test on 2025-11-17 confirms the vehicle remains roadworthy, with no defects recorded at 76,305 miles. However, the history reveals a concerning pattern of repeated failures at identical mileages in March 2024 and March 2025—both at 70,354 and 74,216 miles respectively—despite subsequent passes shortly after. This suggests either a critical but intermittent issue (such as a failing sensor or emissions component) or a tester’s oversight in initially missing a defect. The final pass in November 2025, just two months before the current date, indicates the vehicle has not been tested since, which is unusual given the typical 12-month MOT cycle. Buyers should treat this as a red flag for potential deferred maintenance or a recurring mechanical anomaly that may not have been fully resolved. The mileage progression of roughly 5,450 miles per year is unusually low for a 14-year-old vehicle, which could imply prolonged periods of inactivity or storage. Between the March 2024 and November 2025 tests, the car accumulated just 5,951 miles—less than half the average annual distance for a similarly aged vehicle. This suggests the vehicle may have spent extended time off the road, potentially accelerating issues like battery degradation, tyre dry-rotting, or suspension component stiffness. The gap between the 2025-03-19 failure and the 2025-03-25 pass—just four days—also raises questions about whether the same defect was addressed or if the test was retaken due to administrative error. Given the history, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the exhaust emissions system, which was likely the cause of the repeated failures. Binding brakes, worn suspension bushes, or failing coil springs are common issues in this age range and could explain the intermittent failures. The lack of defects in the last pass does not preclude underlying problems—particularly in components like the turbocharger (if fitted), fuel injectors, or oxygen sensors, which often trigger repeated MOT failures. Structural integrity should also be checked, as rust in the subframe or wheel arches is common in CR-Vs of this era, especially if the vehicle has spent time in wet or salty environments. Finally, verify the service history for timing belt replacements, as this model is notorious for belt-related failures if maintenance was neglected.