Honda

Honda Msx (2016)

1,047 real MOT outcomes analysed • 88% first-time pass rate

2016 Honda Msx

CarHunch analysed 1,047 real MOT records for the 2016 Honda Msx. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2016 Honda MSX is a reliably robust small bike, passing its MOT first time in 88% of cases—a solid 8 percentage points above the UK average. Dangerous defects are uncommon at 13.5%, so safety concerns aren't a primary worry for this cohort.

These machines are run gently, with a median mileage of just 4,930 miles suggesting many are weekend toys rather than commuters. When failures do occur, they're minor (0.72 per vehicle on average), and advisories cluster around routine maintenance items like worn controls or minor corrosion. If you're buying one, have an independent inspection done and budget for fresh consumables—chains, cables, and tyres—but don't expect hidden structural problems.

The 2016 Honda Msx passes its MOT first time more often than most UK vehicles (88% vs ~80% average) — and when it does fail, it's usually something minor and cheap to fix.

⚠️ Around 1 in 8 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
88%
UK average ~80%
Better than average
Dangerous (ever)
13.5%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
0.72
Over 5 tests on record
Moderate
Typical mileage
5k
Middle half: 2k–9k
For context
Good baseline reliability. A 88% first-time pass rate puts this well above the UK average — it's a well-sorted vehicle in this age bracket.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 2.5 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 1,047 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

A solid choice — agree?

What tends to go wrong

Across 1,047 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Exhaust & emissions 59.3%
Exhaust noisy
Lighting 34.5%
Drive chain slightly loose · Rear reflector missing · Headlamp aim too high
Usually cheap to fix. Worth confirming all lights work before collecting.
Other issues 21.7%
COVID-19 6 MONTH EXTENSION · Drive chain worn but not considered excessive · Drive chain excessively loose · …
Tyre wear 19.2%
Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Rear Tyre tread depth is below minimum requirements of 1.0mm
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Suspension & steering 9%
Rear Wheel bearing has slight play · Steering headbearing slightly stiff or notchy
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.
Brake wear 7%
Front Brake indicates slight fluctuation of brake effort · Front Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2016.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 1,047 Honda Msx cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2016 Honda Msx

Based on MOT data from 1,047 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 13.5% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Colour Breakdown

Based on 5,796 Honda Msx vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Red 28.1%
1,626
Grey 26%
1,509
White 17.2%
996
Yellow 13.9%
804
Black 9.3%
537
Blue 3.2%
185
Multi-colour 0.7%
40
Orange 0.5%
30
Green 0.5%
28
Purple 0.4%
24
Pink 0.2%
12
Silver 0.1%
5

Mileage Distribution

Most 2016 Honda Msx vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

4,930
typical
2,144
low mileage
9,312
high mileage

Half of all 2016 Honda Msx vehicles fall between 2,144 and 9,312 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 2,144 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
2,144–9,312 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2016 Honda Msxs sit.
Over 12,571 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2016 Honda Msx — Still on the Road

Most 2016 Honda Msxs are still being driven.

Strong survival — 565 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 80% of the peak.

707 565 2019 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2019–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

5
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.72
Avg failures per vehicle
2.5
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Honda Msx: All Msx years → Which year to buy? →
2013 2014 2015 2017 2018 2019 2020

Or browse all models: Honda →

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Compare with another model

See how the 2016 Honda Msx stacks up against a rival.

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