2003 Honda CR-V 2.0L Petrol · LT03 JBZ

The 2003 Honda CR-V has maintained a clean MOT history since its most recent test on 14 October 2025, with no defects recorded at 191,098 miles. This suggests a stable roadworthiness trend over the past year, though the single failure in October 2023—despite no recorded defects—stands out as an anomaly. The absence of advisories or repeated issues in the last two tests implies that major components like suspension bushes, coil springs, or brake calipers have not deteriorated beyond regulatory thresholds. However, the brief failure window between 3 October and 10 October 2023 warrants scrutiny of whether minor oversights (e.g., loose underbody components, minor corrosion) were overlooked during that period. Mileage progression indicates consistent usage, averaging around 8,300 miles annually, which aligns with typical expectations for a vehicle of this age. The gap between the 2022 test (171,211 miles) and the 2023 failure (174,324 miles) spans just five months, suggesting no prolonged neglect. The subsequent tests in 2023 and 2024 show steady mileage increments, reinforcing that the vehicle has been driven regularly rather than left stationary. There is no evidence of aggressive mileage accumulation or extended periods of inactivity, which could have accelerated wear on consumables like tyres or brake pads. Given the lack of recorded defects, an in-person inspection should prioritise areas where failures often go unnoticed in MOT tests. Focus on the suspension for worn or cracked bushes, particularly at the rear, where binding or uneven wear might not trigger a fail but could compromise handling. Examine the brake system for uneven disc thickness or glazed pads, as binding calipers or corrosion in the calliper slides are common silent failures. Underbody corrosion, especially around the sills, wheel arches, and subframe, should be checked for structural compromise, as this is often overlooked until it affects critical components. Finally, verify the integrity of the exhaust system for leaks or excessive rust, as this is a frequent cause of late-stage MOT failures in older vehicles.