Honda

Honda Nss (2016)

862 real MOT outcomes analysed • 88.8% first-time pass rate

2016 Honda Nss

CarHunch analysed 862 real MOT records for the 2016 Honda Nss. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
Which year to buy? →

On this page
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 NSS posts a first-time pass rate of 88.8%, which is a solid 8.8 percentage points above the UK average—this is a reliable scooter by MOT standards. However, 37% of vehicles have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, which is substantially higher than typical and worth taking seriously as a prospective buyer.

At a median mileage of just 18,866 miles for an 8-year-old machine, these NSS units show relatively light use, suggesting many are owned by casual riders. The average of 2.7 advisories per vehicle signals minor wear and maintenance niggles are common, so budget for regular servicing and have any potential purchase inspected by a Honda specialist before committing.

The 2016 Honda Nss has a decent first-time pass rate (88.8%), but a higher-than-average share of vehicles have had serious defects recorded — the individual vehicle's history matters a lot here.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 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
88.8%
UK average ~80%
Better than average
Dangerous (ever)
37%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
0.75
Over 5.8 tests on record
Moderate
Typical mileage
19k
Middle half: 9k–33k
For context
Good baseline reliability. A 88.8% 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 2.7 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 862 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.

Watch for defects — worth knowing

What tends to go wrong

Across 862 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 29.9%
Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit · Rear 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 28.8%
Steering headbearing slightly stiff or notchy · Steering headbearing excessively stiff or notchy
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.
Brake wear 26.5%
Rear Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit · Front Brake pad(s) close to minimum limit · Front Brake pad(s) less than 1.0 mm thick · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Other issues 11.2%
COVID-19 6 MONTH EXTENSION

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 862 Honda Nss cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2016 Honda Nss

Based on MOT data from 862 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 37% 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 5,760 Honda Nss vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Black 28%
1,610
Silver 23.9%
1,378
White 22.9%
1,317
Red 9.6%
553
Grey 8.8%
507
Blue 6.9%
395

Mileage Distribution

Most 2016 Honda Nss 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.

18,866
typical
9,341
low mileage
33,216
high mileage

Half of all 2016 Honda Nss vehicles fall between 9,341 and 33,216 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 9,341 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.
9,341–33,216 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2016 Honda Nsss sit.
Over 44,841 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 Nss — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 62% of 2016 Honda Nsss are still active.

457 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 62% of the peak remain.

738 457 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

5.8
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.75
Avg failures per vehicle
2.7
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Honda Nss: All Nss years → Which year to buy? →
2014 2015 2017 2018 2019 2020

Or browse all models: Honda →

Honda logo

Compare with another model

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

Watch for defects — worth knowing