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Honda Civic Mk9 (FK) (2012-2016) reliability

At a glance

Honda Civic Mk9 (FK) built around 2016: about average at the MOT

Honda Civic Mk9 (FK) models built around 2016 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Honda Civic Mk9 (FK) right now?

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

Key figure

16% of MOT tests on Honda Civic Mk9 (FK) models built around 2016 ended in a fail (retests included), against 18% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Honda Civic Mk9 (FK) models built around 2016 involves the tyres.

Honda Civic Mk9 (FK)
excellent reliability2012-2016HatchbackPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 91,235 tests of Civic models registered 2012-2016.

About 1 in 50 Civic Mk9 (FK) MOTs (2.2%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2016 (9 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 18,927 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 20 Civic Mk9 (FK) MOTs (5.7%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2016 (9 years old).

Based on 18,927 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk9 (FK) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
7,04715.9%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
18,92716.5%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
18,17318.0%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
18,39120.6%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
19,06822.8%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
9,62924.6%

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 13 years old.

How the Civic Mk9 (FK) compares

At each age below, see how the Civic Mk9 (FK) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 62,531 tests across 6 Honda models, built around 2016 (9 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateHonda average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
7,04715.9%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
18,92716.5%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
18,17318.0%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
18,39120.6%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
19,06822.8%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
9,62924.6%

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 pads

High priority

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

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.

Tyres

Worth checking

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

Steering track rods

Worth checking

On a flat surface, rock the steering wheel briefly with the engine off and listen for clunks.

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 hatchbacks to compare

Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Civic Mk9 (FK).

  1. 1

    Nissan Note

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16.2%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.1%
    Dangerous
    3.6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96.6%

    Fewer dangerous faults: 3.6%, against 5.7% for the Honda Civic Mk9 (FK).

    14,407 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  2. 2

    Ford Ka

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    24%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4.1%
    Dangerous
    5.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.3%

    No clear edge over the Honda Civic Mk9 (FK) on these figures.

    13,237 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  3. 3

    Abarth 595

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    20.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.7%
    Dangerous
    5.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.5%

    Fewer dangerous faults: 5.1%, against 5.7% for the Honda Civic Mk9 (FK).

    3,218 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  4. 4

    Alfa Romeo Giulietta

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    22.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.5%
    Dangerous
    7.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    92.6%

    No clear edge over the Honda Civic Mk9 (FK) on these figures.

    3,643 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

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

96%of all Honda Civic cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical

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.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

73 recalls in all

7 of the 73 Civic Mk9 (FK) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 Critical
  • 5 more

Top concerns

  • Side airbag may fail to deploy as intended
  • Drivers airbag inflator may rupture if deployed
  • The regulatory requirement for emissions levels are not met

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

Fail rate by engine size, built around 2016 (9 years old)

Engine sizes across all petrol Civic tests (not specific to Mk9 (FK)).

1.0 to 1.4 litres16.3%2,879 tests1.4 to 2.0 litres13.9%7,316 tests
How Civic Mk9 (FK) cars have aged

How Civic Mk9 (FK) 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%5791113Age at MOTBuilt around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 12.0% (12,769 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 12.5% (12,479 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 13.6% (12,246 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 15.0% (12,247 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 16.3% (12,188 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 12.6% (11,735 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 13.4% (11,490 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 15.1% (11,426 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 16.3% (11,370 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 17.4% (11,310 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 14.7% (11,230 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 16.8% (11,247 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 17.7% (11,099 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 18.9% (11,028 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 19.9% (10,899 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 16.7% (12,150 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 18.6% (12,159 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 19.6% (12,092 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 21.3% (12,073 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 22.7% (11,915 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 19.1% (10,051 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 19.9% (9,871 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 21.6% (9,836 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 22.9% (9,703 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 24.7% (9,629 tests, 2025 data)2012
First registered around 2016First registered around 2015First registered around 2014First registered around 2013
Mk9 (FK) variants compared

Civic Mk9 (FK) variants built around 2016

The fail rate for each Civic Mk9 (FK) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • CIVIC14.6%10,215 tests

Diesel

  • CIVIC18.7%8,706 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Honda Civics of this age

This list covers every Honda Civic built around 2016, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk9 (FK) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

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

  1. 1
    Advisory

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

    17.2%
    Advisory: 4,632Fail: 355 (7% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    13.9%
    Advisory: 2,811Fail: 545 (16% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    11.8%
    Advisory: 3,032Fail: 427 (12% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

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

    6.3%
    Advisory: 1,642Fail: 15 (1% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Minor

    Track rod end dust cover damaged, but still keeps dirt out

    4.1%
    Advisory: 0Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)

Based on 18,927 tests

Looking at a Honda Civic Mk9 (FK) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2016 (9 years old), the Honda Civic Mk9 (FK) (2012-2016) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 18,927 9-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 91,235 MOT tests on Honda Civics first registered between 2012-2016. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.