2004 Honda CR-V 2.0L Petrol · WM54 KAX

The most recent DVSA MOT examination was conducted on 13 March 2026, at which point it passed with an advisory notice issued regarding the rear exhaust showing a minor leak of exhaust gases. The immediately prior examination on 2 March 2026 resulted in a failure with two major defects concerning structural corrosion at both rear suspension component mounting prescribed areas, specifically the inner and outer sill on the nearside and the inner sill on the offside, alongside a major defect for seriously defective headlamp lenses at both front lamps. Observing the recorded test history, the overall maintenance trajectory is unmistakably one of deterioration rather than stability. The vehicle has transitioned from a clean pass in January 2022 to progressively accumulating advisories relating to suspension arm corrosion, anti-roll bar linkage wear, and rear suspension component mounting corrosion. The escalation from advisory to dangerous defect status for the nearside rear brake pads in early 2024, the major anti-roll bar linkage ball joint wear finding in February 2025, and ultimately the structural corrosion majors in early 2026 all indicate a vehicle where deferred maintenance has allowed wear items and corrosion to advance unchecked, culminating in components being assessed as significantly reducing structural strength. With recorded mileage of 190,144 miles accumulated over approximately 22 years, this Honda CR-V has averaged around 8,643 miles per annum, which is broadly typical for its age cohort. That said, the recorded mileage intervals between tests are substantial, with significant gaps between 2022 and 2023 and again between 2025 and 2026, suggesting periods of either infrequent use or possibly standing time. Such usage patterns are mechanically significant, as lower annual mileage combined with periods of inactivity typically accelerate corrosion through moisture entrapment and lack of drying cycles, whilst simultaneously allowing rubber components, brake discs, and fluid systems to degrade through calendar ageing rather than wear. At this combined age and mileage, the drivetrain, clutch, and major engine wear items will have already absorbed considerable service life, and any extended standing periods will have introduced their own characteristic failures. Given the recurring advisories and majors relating to suspension components, anti-roll bar linkages, and structural sill corrosion, a prospective buyer should conduct a thorough physical inspection and a discerning test drive. The anti-roll bar linkage ball joints flagged at both front offside and both rear positions across multiple tests indicate progressive wear that typically manifests as a clonking or knocking noise transmitted through the bodyshell when traversing speed bumps, uneven surfaces, or during directional changes at low speed. The progression of nearside rear brake pad wear to dangerous levels in early 2024 suggests an inspection of pad material thickness, disc condition including lip formation and surface corrosion, and caliper slide pin operation is essential; on a test drive, expect to listen for brake shudder under heavy application and to verify that the vehicle pulls evenly without pulling to one side under braking. The recent structural corrosion majors at the rear suspension mounting areas on the inner and outer sills are particularly concerning and warrant a close visual examination, ideally with the vehicle raised, to assess whether the corrosion is surface-only or has progressed to compromise load-bearing structural integrity. The persistent rear exhaust advisory across multiple tests also warrants a physical check of joints and hangers for active leakage, listening for ticking or hissing from the exhaust under cold start conditions. Beyond the recorded defects, age and mileage-appropriate checks should include a thorough inspection of all tyres for sidewall perishing and cracking, which is common on a vehicle of this age regardless of tread depth, along with verification of manufacturing date codes. Brake discs should be checked for severe pitting or corrosion ridges, particularly given potential standing periods, and the brake calipers should be examined for binding through uneven pad wear patterns. The 12V battery should be load-tested, as calendar-aged batteries frequently present deceptive surface voltage but fail under cranking load. All fluid systems require attention regardless of recent service records, including brake fluid hygroscopic degradation requiring replacement every two years irrespective of mileage, coolant system condition and corrosion inhibitor efficacy, and automatic or manual transmission fluid status. The service history book should be verified for consistent main dealer or specialist stamps at appropriate intervals, and the presence of a cam belt or timing chain replacement record should be confirmed, particularly at this mileage threshold where such items are approaching their scheduled renewal intervals.