Every year, Honda Jazz owners run into the same MOT failures: faulty lights, worn brakes, rattling suspension and rust around the exhaust. These problems are often easy to prevent by checking the car in good time and not putting off minor maintenance. On the Honda Jazz page on Carnews, you will find more background information on common faults with this model. Curious about exactly what you should look out for before you go for the test? Read on below.
What are the most common MOT failings on the Honda Jazz?
With the Honda Jazz, the MOT often goes wrong in a few familiar areas. These parts wear through everyday use and are therefore often overlooked.
- Lighting: dipped beam, main beam, tail lights, brake lights, indicators and number plate lights that no longer work properly.
- Brakes: worn brake pads or discs, recognisable by squeaking or scraping noises.
- Suspension: splits in rubber bushes, play in the chassis and rust around mounting points.
- Exhaust: corrosion and leaks, especially on older examples.
- Tyres: insufficient tread, dry cracking or uneven wear.
Faulty lighting is one of the most common reasons for MOT failure. By checking it yourself beforehand, you avoid an unnecessary retest.
‘By checking and maintaining it in good time, you not only avoid an MOT failure, but also unexpected repair costs later on.’
Why is timely maintenance so important?
Small faults often grow into bigger problems if you leave them. A slight squeaking noise when braking can indicate wear that, if ignored, eventually leads to a more expensive repair to the brake discs or callipers. The same applies to rust: a small patch underneath the car can spread to the suspension or exhaust mounting points.
For the Honda Jazz, maintenance advice also often highlights the importance of proper CVT maintenance, the gearbox commonly fitted to this car. Irregular maintenance can lead to a less smooth shifting feel. By checking and maintaining it in good time, you not only avoid an MOT failure, but also unexpected repair costs later on.
Checklist: how to prepare your Honda Jazz for its MOT
With a few simple checks beforehand, you can significantly reduce the chance of failure. Go through this checklist before making an appointment.
- Check every light one by one, including the number plate lights and fog lights.
- Top up the screenwash and test whether the windscreen washers work properly.
- See whether the wiper blades move smoothly and leave no streaks behind.
- Inspect the tyres for tread depth, cracks and uneven wear.
- Take a short test drive and listen out for squeaking, tapping or rattling noises.
- Look underneath the car for rust, leaks and loose rubber around the suspension.
- Test the handbrake on a slope and check that the steering has no excessive play.
- Have fault codes or warning lights read if anything is illuminated on the dashboard.
A dashboard warning light that stays on often points to an underlying problem. Do not ignore this signal and have it checked beforehand, so you are not caught out at the test.
What do MOT repairs on a Honda Jazz cost?
The cost of repairs after a failure varies greatly depending on the part and the amount of wear. Simple things such as a blown bulb are cheap and quick to replace. Bigger repairs, such as worn brake discs, rust damage to the chassis or a leaking exhaust, require more work and therefore cost more.
- Lighting: relatively low costs for replacing bulbs or fuses.
- Brakes: costs rise when brake pads and discs have to be replaced at the same time.
- Suspension: repairing rubber bushes and joints takes more time than a simple bulb change.
- Exhaust: rust and leaks often require part of the exhaust system to be replaced.
By inspecting it yourself beforehand, you avoid being faced with an unexpected bill at the test. If in doubt, it is wise to have the Honda Jazz checked by a mechanic in advance, so you know where you stand.
‘These small moments of attention make the difference between a pass and a disappointing retest.’
Extra points to watch on the Honda Jazz
Alongside the standard MOT items, there are a few things that crop up more often on the Honda Jazz specifically. Older examples are more prone to rust, especially around the wheel arches and underneath the car. Electrical functions such as the central locking and dashboard warnings also deserve extra attention, as faults here are reported regularly.
Honda Jazz drivers often say that simple checks beforehand save a lot of hassle. Think of testing the lights, windscreen wipers, brakes and tyre wear. These small moments of attention make the difference between a pass and a disappointing retest.
Want to know more about common problems with your car, maintenance tips or other models? On the Carnews website you will find extensive information on all kinds of car makes and models. Discover more articles and keep your Honda Jazz or another model in top condition.
Frequently asked questions
Common MOT fail points on the Honda Jazz are faulty lighting, wear to brakes and tyres, worn suspension bushes and rust on the underside and wheel arches. Tackle these proactively by checking all lights every month, checking tyre pressures and tread depth, and listening out for squeaking brakes or rattles in the suspension. Inspect rubber bushes, shock absorbers and possible rust spots under the car in good time, especially on older Jazz models with higher mileage. If dashboard warning lights are on, and if you have any doubts about the brakes or suspension, have the car checked by a garage before the MOT.
Which ‘self-checks’ on my Honda Jazz will minimise the chance of unnecessary MOT failures?
Before the MOT, check all lights (including the number plate lights), windscreen wipers and washers, and make sure there are no cracks in the windscreen within the driver’s field of view. Inspect your tyres for sufficient tread, cracks and damage, and during a test drive listen for squeaking or scraping from the brakes and rattles in the suspension. Visibly inspect the rubber bushes, shock absorbers and rust spots around the suspension and sills underneath the car. Finally, check that the handbrake holds properly and that no warning lights remain on the dashboard.
Are there any ‘specific wear indicators’ on the Honda Jazz’s suspension or brakes that I should pay extra attention to before the MOT?
On the Honda Jazz there are no unique wear indicators for the suspension or brakes compared with other cars, but in practice the MOT often goes wrong because of worn brake pads/discs and worn or split suspension bushes. So pay extra attention to squeaking or scraping brake noises, vibration in the steering wheel or brake pedal, and a long stopping distance. Check underneath the car for cracks in bushes, play in the control arms and anti-roll bars, and visible rust at the suspension and mounting points. Uneven tyre wear can also be an indicator of problems with the suspension or braking system.
How can I spot and tackle ‘rust formation’ early at critical points on my Honda Jazz to prevent MOT failure?
At least twice a year, check the sills, wheel arches, underside of the rear seat, seat belt mounting points, control arms and jacking points by lifting the car and inspecting for blisters, discolouration and soft spots in the metal with a torch and screwdriver. Remove light surface rust straight away and treat it with rust converter and a protective paint or underseal, so that it does not progress into structural rust, which would lead to an MOT failure. Have questionable or load-bearing parts (such as sills and suspension mounting points) assessed by a specialist and professionally welded if needed. On an older Jazz, schedule an underbody and chassis protection check in good time so that early rust can be spotted and dealt with promptly.
Which ‘electronics and lighting checks’ are crucial for a Honda Jazz to ensure a smooth MOT?
Crucial checks are a full inspection of all exterior lighting: dipped beam, main beam, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, number plate lights and any fog lights. In addition, you should test all electrical functions, such as the windscreen wipers and washers, dashboard and warning lights, and the proper operation of the light and indicator switches. Central locking and other basic electrical systems linked to safety also deserve a quick check. By going through these electrical and lighting functions beforehand, you significantly reduce the chance of an MOT failure.
