2011 Honda CR-V 2.2L Petrol · LR61 VRU

The 2011 Honda CR-V presents a mixed roadworthiness profile characterised by recurring system failures rather than isolated incidents, with the latest February 2026 MOT passing despite accumulating minor advices and one advisory. A series of failures spanning 2021 through 2025—including critically short tyres, non-functional headlamps and stop lamps, and both front and rear direction indicators—demonstrate persistent issues in safety-critical and comfort-related systems that have not been fully resolved even after the January 2026 test. While the most recent assessment cleared the vehicle, the persistence of these defects across multiple test cycles indicates underlying reliability challenges that require immediate attention before purchase. The vehicle's mileage of 135,752 miles on a 2011 model represents approximately 9,050 miles per year, which aligns with normal ageing expectations for a fifteen-year-old passenger crossover. However, the test result timeline reveals an uneven usage pattern: two failed assessments occurred within a six-month window in late 2024 and early 2025, followed by a single month later successful test in February 2026. This clustering of failures suggests either intermittent breakdowns tied to specific driving conditions or cumulative degradation of components that manifested suddenly under load, making the current mileage figure less indicative of consistent wear and more reflective of when particular systems began failing. Buyers should prioritise a thorough inspection of the nearside front suspension architecture, where the ball joint dust covers on both the track rod end and lower arm are reported as severely deteriorated with severe dust exposure and slight play detected during the last MOT. These components control wheel articulation and absorb road irregularities; their compromised state could lead to increased vibration, handling instability, or premature wear of other suspension elements. The front brake discs show a history of pitting and scoring, particularly evident in the January 2025 failure, and should be inspected for rotor thickness and pad condition to ensure braking performance remains adequate. Tyre wear history is concerning, with documented instances of both inner and outer tyres falling below the 1.6mm legal minimum and suffering edge wear, indicating either aggressive driving patterns or progressive tyre degradation that warrants immediate replacement and alignment verification. Headlight functionality requires particular scrutiny due to the February 2026 advisory noting a stonechip on the windscreen alongside a severely deteriorated nearside front lower suspension arm bearing. The headlamps themselves experienced complete failure at various points between January 2024 and January 2025, with subsequent failures involving both front and rear direction indicators and rear stop lamps. On test drive, verify that all exterior lights operate correctly including high beams, turn signals, brake lights, and reverse lights, as the original failure sequence suggests unreliable electrical or bulb replacements may persist. Additionally, the nearside front lower suspension arm dust cover condition implies potential contamination of the suspension mounts and differential bearings, so a physical inspection while the vehicle is on level ground will reveal whether the mounting surfaces remain clean and free of debris that could interfere with proper suspension geometry.