HONDA HR-V (2021)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 154 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,355
£113/month
MOT Pass Rate
93%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1597cc Diesel
Great Choice
93% pass rate, £1355/year to run. 11 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~55 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 11 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the HONDA brand average of 84%.
At 5 years old, 93% of HONDA HR-Vs from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 154 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 24,099 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
24,099
Average miles
37,000
Expected for age
The average 2021 HONDA HR-V has 24,099 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 37,000 miles for a 5-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2021 sits between the two at 93%.
HONDA HR-V by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 93% | 154 | 24,099 mi | |
| 2020 | 96% | 7,496 | 25,324 mi | |
| 2019 | 95% | 8,572 | 30,486 mi | |
| 2018 | 93% | 10,118 | 39,252 mi | |
| 2017 | 92% | 9,761 | 48,336 mi | |
| 2016 | 90% | 11,361 | 56,607 mi | |
| 2015 | 89% | 4,628 | 65,405 mi | |
| 2006 | 70% | 57 | 98,304 mi | |
| 2005 | 68% | 298 | 103,130 mi | |
| 2004 | 76% | 478 | 101,014 mi | |
| 2003 | 73% | 400 | 98,960 mi | |
| 2002 | 74% | 735 | 105,009 mi | |
| 2001 | 74% | 689 | 109,071 mi | |
| 2000 | 71% | 535 | 108,513 mi | |
| 1999 | 73% | 538 | 103,754 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2021 HONDA HR-V
The 2021 HONDA HR-V is a small family car with a 1597cc diesel engine. 154 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2021, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 24,099 miles at 5 years old, HONDA HR-V owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2021 HONDA HR-V Fuel Costs
The 1597cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £905 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2021 HONDA HR-V?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,355 (£113/month), broken down as £905 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 93% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
HONDA HR-V Reliability Trend
Newer HONDA HR-Vs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 17 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2021 HONDA HR-V
At 5 years old, the HONDA HR-V offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 96%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2021 HONDA HR-V's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Medium riskDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
AdBlue System
Medium riskPost-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.
EGR Valve
Low riskExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 2021 HONDA HR-V stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HONDA HR-V(2021) | 93% | £905 | £195 | Grp 12-25 | £1355 |
| FORD FOCUS(2019) | 89% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1500+£145 |
| MERCEDES A(2019) | 91% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1350-£5 |
| FORD KUGA(2019) | 91% | £1037 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1482+£127 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2019) | 89% | £905 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1500+£145 |
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.
Related Honda Models
Explore other Honda cars or similar models in the same category.
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HONDA CR-V
2007 · 1998cc Petrol
FORD FOCUS
2019 · 1499cc Diesel
MERCEDES A
2019 · 1461cc Diesel
FORD KUGA
2019 · 1997cc Diesel
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