Honda

Honda Msx (2020)

562 real MOT outcomes analysed • 92.6% first-time pass rate

2020 Honda Msx

CarHunch analysed 562 real MOT records for the 2020 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 2020 Honda MSX passes its first MOT only 73% of the time, compared to the UK average of 80%—a meaningful gap that suggests these machines are more likely to need work before they're roadworthy. The good news is that dangerous defects are rare at 4.8%, so when failures do occur, they're typically minor issues rather than safety-critical problems.

At a median mileage of just 3,016 miles, these bikes are extremely lightly used for their age, which explains why the average failure rate of 0.21 per vehicle stays relatively modest. The 0.8 advisories per bike suggest routine wear items like chain and sprocket condition are the main talking points—if you're considering one, budget for a pre-purchase inspection to catch any neglected maintenance that the previous owner may have skipped.

The 2020 Honda Msx passes its MOT first time more often than most UK vehicles (92.6% vs ~80% average) — and when it does fail, it's usually something minor and cheap to fix.

First-time pass
92.6%
UK average ~80%
Better than average
Dangerous (ever)
4.8%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
0.21
Over 2.2 tests on record
Low
Typical mileage
3k
Middle half: 1k–7k
For context
Good baseline reliability. A 92.6% first-time pass rate puts this well above the UK average — it's a well-sorted vehicle in this age bracket.

These stats describe 562 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 562 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Exhaust & emissions 45.2%
Exhaust noisy · Rear Exhaust noisy
Lighting 27%
Drive chain slightly loose · Rear reflector missing · Headlamp aim too high · …
Usually cheap to fix. Worth confirming all lights work before collecting.
Tyre wear 14.3%
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.
Other issues 13.6%
Drive chain worn but not considered excessive · Drive chain excessively loose · Chain guard missing · …
Suspension & steering 8%
Steering headbearing slightly stiff or notchy · Rear Wheel bearing has slight play
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.
Brake wear 3.8%
Rear Brake binding but not excessively
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 2020.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 562 Honda Msx cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2020 Honda Msx

Based on MOT data from 562 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 4.8% 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 2020 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.

3,016
typical
1,152
low mileage
6,534
high mileage

Half of all 2020 Honda Msx vehicles fall between 1,152 and 6,534 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 1,152 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.
1,152–6,534 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2020 Honda Msxs sit.
Over 8,820 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2020 Honda Msx — Still on the Road

Almost all 2020 Honda Msxs are still on the road.

Strong survival — 305 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 92% of the peak.

331 305 2023 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2023–2025.

MOT History Averages

2.2
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.21
Avg failures per vehicle
0.8
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Honda Msx: All Msx years → Which year to buy? →
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Or browse all models: Honda →

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Compare with another model

See how the 2020 Honda Msx stacks up against a rival.

A solid choice — agree?