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Honda Accord Mk7 (CL) (2003-2007) reliability

At a glance

Honda Accord Mk7 (CL) built around 2007: about average at the MOT

Honda Accord Mk7 (CL) models built around 2007 fail their MOT a little more often than similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at a Honda Accord Mk7 (CL) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

31% of MOT tests on Honda Accord Mk7 (CL) models built around 2007 ended in a fail (retests included), against 28% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Honda Accord Mk7 (CL) models built around 2007 involves the suspension.

Honda Accord Mk7 (CL)
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2003-2007SaloonPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 14,721 tests of Accord models registered 2003-2007.

About 1 in 12 Accord Mk7 (CL) MOTs (8.5%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2007 (18 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 3,446 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 12 Accord Mk7 (CL) MOTs (8.1%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2007 (18 years old).

Based on 3,446 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk7 (CL) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
1,44831.5%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
3,44630.8%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
3,21231.5%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
3,12331.9%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
2,45431.6%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
1,03831.8%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 20 years old.

How the Accord Mk7 (CL) compares

At each age below, see how the Accord Mk7 (CL) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 68,134 tests across 8 Honda models, built around 2007 (18 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateHonda average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
1,44831.5%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
3,44630.8%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
3,21231.5%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
3,12331.9%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
2,45431.6%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
1,03831.8%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other saloons to compare

Other saloons, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Accord Mk7 (CL).

  1. 1

    Lexus IS

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    24.1%

    Lower fail rate: 24.1%, against 30.8% for the Honda Accord Mk7 (CL), both built around 2007.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    2,214 MOT tests on cars built around 2007

  2. 2

    Chrysler 300

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    27%

    Lower fail rate: 27.0%, against 30.8% for the Honda Accord Mk7 (CL), both built around 2007.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,113 MOT tests on cars built around 2007

  3. 3

    Mercedes-Benz E-Class

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    23.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    7.5%
    Dangerous
    7.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    79.9%

    Lower fail rate: 23.4%, against 30.8% for the Honda Accord Mk7 (CL), both built around 2007.

    10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    5,172 MOT tests on cars built around 2007

  4. 4

    Jaguar XJ

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    24%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    9.1%
    Dangerous
    5.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    93.8%

    Lower fail rate: 24.0%, against 30.8% for the Honda Accord Mk7 (CL), both built around 2007.

    5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    1,389 MOT tests on cars built around 2007

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

Not enough registration data to show this for the Honda Accord.

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Recall context

26 recalls in all

5 of the 26 Accord Mk7 (CL) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 Critical
  • 3 more

Top concerns

  • Inner pressure of the inflator may irregularly rise upon airbag deployment rupturing the inflator container
  • Passenger side airbag may fail to deploy correctly
  • Possible air bag inflator rupture

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

What has gone wrong on Accord Mk7 (CL) cars built around 2007

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 239 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
49%
Emissions
21%
Steering
3%
Bodywork
3%
Drivetrain
2%

Wear items

Lighting
58%
Brakes
52%
Tyres
42%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 19% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.

How Accord Mk7 (CL) cars have aged

How Accord Mk7 (CL) cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%1416182022Age at MOTBuilt around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 29.3% (4,039 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 29.6% (3,552 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 30.2% (3,071 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 30.7% (2,587 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 31.1% (2,162 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 29.8% (3,920 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 31.2% (3,354 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 30.9% (2,821 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 32.5% (2,365 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 31.0% (1,876 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 30.8% (4,123 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 31.5% (3,416 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 31.6% (2,873 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 31.0% (2,401 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 30.3% (1,933 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 31.5% (3,486 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 31.0% (2,851 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 32.4% (2,451 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 31.9% (1,978 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 31.1% (1,651 tests, 2025 data)2004Built around 2003, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 33.1% (2,227 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2003, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 30.5% (1,745 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2003, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 32.7% (1,519 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2003, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 32.5% (1,269 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2003, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 31.8% (1,038 tests, 2025 data)2003
First registered around 2007First registered around 2006First registered around 2005First registered around 2004
How each part holds up as Mk7 (CL) cars age

How each part holds up as Mk7 (CL) cars age

The share of petrol cars built 2005-2008 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.

Part of the car17 years18 years19 years20 years
Suspension39%49%46%54%
Brakes41%52%54%59%
Emissions10%21%21%20%
Tyres46%42%48%55%
Lighting46%58%55%62%
Drivetrain1%2%3%3%
Bodywork3%3%6%2%
Steering2%3%4%6%
Corrosion13%19%21%20%

Based on petrol cars in the 2005-2008 build-year band, from 170 to 425 cars at each age.

Mk7 (CL) variants compared

Accord Mk7 (CL) variants built around 2007

The fail rate for each Accord Mk7 (CL) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • ACCORD29.4%2,088 tests

Diesel

  • ACCORD32.9%1,358 tests
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Honda Accords of this age

This list covers every Honda Accord built around 2007, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk7 (CL) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    36.0%
    Advisory: 2,099Fail: 406 (16% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    23.0%
    Advisory: 1,089Fail: 73 (6% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    14.7%
    Advisory: 568Fail: 99 (15% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    14.6%
    Advisory: 689Fail: 12 (2% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    12.1%
    Advisory: 484Fail: 91 (16% of the times it was found)

Based on 3,446 tests

Looking at a Honda Accord Mk7 (CL) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2007 (18 years old), the Honda Accord Mk7 (CL) (2003-2007) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 3,446 18-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 14,721 MOT tests on Honda Accords first registered between 2003-2007. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.