Is the 2004 HONDA CR-V reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 70% of HONDA CR-Vs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 11,559 tests. That's 12 points below the national average of 82%.

How much does a 2004 HONDA CR-V cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), including £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 HONDA CR-V?

The 2004 HONDA CR-V has a 70% MOT pass rate based on 11,559 tests in 2026. This ranks 316 out of 491 cars from 2004.

Which year HONDA CR-V is most reliable?

The 2019 HONDA CR-V has the highest MOT pass rate at 96%. The least reliable year is 2000 at 65%.

What is the average mileage for a 2004 HONDA CR-V?

The average mileage for a 2004 HONDA CR-V is 135,916 miles, which is in line with the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

HONDA CR-V (2004)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 11,559 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,197

£183/month

MOT Pass Rate

70%

Average

Road Tax

£315

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 18-32

1998cc Petrol

Check Carefully

70% pass rate, £2197/year to run. 12 points below average.

Buying this car? Check for finance, write-offs & theft

£4.99

Check a specific HONDA CR-V

Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.

Petrol1998cc22 years old11,559 tests136k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1998cc)

~36 mpg

£1,327

Road Tax

Based on 1998cc

£315

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,197

Per month£183/mo

Per week£42/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

🛡️

Get an insurance quote for this HONDA CR-V

Compare quotes and find the best deal

Reliability Verdict

70% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the HONDA brand average of 84%.

At 22 years old, 70% of HONDA CR-Vs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 11,559 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 135,916 miles.

Got a HONDA CR-V you're looking at?

Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.

How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 cars316th of 491(top 64%)

Rank among HONDA models377th of 422(top 89%)

vs national average-12%(82% avg)

vs 2004 cars average-2%(72% avg)

vs HONDA average-14%(84% avg)

Mileage Analysis

135,916

Average miles

162,800

Expected for age

The average 2004 HONDA CR-V has 135,916 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

Looking at a specific HONDA CR-V?

Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.

Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2019 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 65%. The 2004 sits between the two at 70%.

HONDA CR-V by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2022	96%	326	20,832 mi
2021	96%	13,284	24,270 mi
2020	96%	12,389	29,574 mi
2019	96%	15,141	35,707 mi
2018	93%	15,931	46,102 mi
2017	91%	20,232	55,840 mi
2016	91%	23,962	65,255 mi
2015	90%	23,539	74,210 mi
2014	88%	25,029	83,042 mi
2013	87%	23,931	90,377 mi
2012	85%	21,249	94,887 mi
2011	83%	17,179	106,314 mi
2010	82%	17,187	111,296 mi
2009	79%	16,755	127,800 mi
2008	76%	19,286	133,540 mi
2007	74%	26,436	135,871 mi
2006	72%	17,606	137,398 mi
2005	70%	16,222	139,535 mi
2004	70%	11,559	135,916 mi
2003	69%	9,218	136,701 mi
2002	69%	6,011	141,722 mi
2001	70%	2,186	122,406 mi
2000	65%	1,278	122,901 mi
1999	67%	1,607	129,634 mi
1998	67%	1,169	126,291 mi
1997	70%	268	128,330 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

FORD FOCUS

2006 · 1596cc Petrol

£1,827/year

73%

+3%

MINI MINI

2005 · 1598cc Petrol

£1,827/year

71%

+1%

BMW 3 SERIES

2006 · 1796cc Petrol

£1,867/year

80%

+10%

RENAULT CLIO

2006 · 1998cc Petrol

£2,217/year

68%

-2%

Check a Specific Honda Cr-v

Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.

Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.

About the 2004 HONDA CR-V

The 2004 HONDA CR-V is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 11,559 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 135,916 miles at 22 years old, HONDA CR-V owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2004 HONDA CR-V Fuel Costs

The 1998cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2004 HONDA CR-V?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,197 (£183/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 70% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

HONDA CR-V Reliability Trend

Newer HONDA CR-Vs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 20 percentage points.

Buying a Used 2004 HONDA CR-V

At 22 years old, the HONDA CR-V is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 96%. With 11,559 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2004 HONDA CR-V's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 22 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 136k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 2004 HONDA CR-V stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
HONDA CR-V(2004)	70%	£1327	£315	Grp 18-32	£2197
FORD FOCUS(2006)	73%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£370
MINI MINI(2005)	71%	£1137	£135	Grp 12-25	£1827-£370
BMW 3 SERIES(2006)	80%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£1867-£330
RENAULT CLIO(2006)	68%	£1327	£135	Grp 18-32	£2217+£20

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.