Front suspension: Inadequate design

[HOV]

I cannot be the only one who has encountered this.

Honda HR-V 2018 Merely 30,000 kilometres.
The front suspension received an advice on the MOT for play in the rear bushes of the lower wishbone on both sides.
I was not shocked, since there had always been an unsettling aspect about the front of the automobile since I acquired it.

The bushes cannot be purchased individually, necessitating the procurement of the whole wishbones. Upon my arrival to replace them, I was astonished by the poor quality of this design. The front joint has a standard cylindrical bushing, however the rear consists of a substandard component fabricated from excessively soft rubber, with the mounting bolt orientated vertically. The link could be manually adjusted vertically at this juncture and seemed to intermittently touch the chassis. I was not astonished by the warning. However, while attempting to replace them, I discovered that the new ones were identical!

I cannot comprehend how Honda is capable of designing anything like this. The MOT examiner seemingly assessed the vehicle based on a flawed design characteristic. I have replaced them, nevertheless the automobile exhibits no discernible change.

Moreover, it does not conclude there. I was astonished to see that the drop links for the anti-roll bar include solid ball joints at both extremities. That is a fundamental design problem. At least one extremity of each suspension linkage should be composed of rubber. I replaced these components with new ones included with the wishbone kit; nonetheless, I doubt their durability will be substantial.

[Black_raven]

I own a 2015 SE-Navi Diesel, an exceptional vehicle. I have been fortunate to encounter no issues, save from a water leak in the roof, which is detailed elsewhere on this site.
The vehicle has successfully passed every MOT without issue, currently displaying a mileage of 44,000. However, this year I received an advisory regarding the same problem you experienced. I plan to replace my car in the coming months, which means the issue will be inherited by the next owner. Regrettably, I believe Honda has faltered with their new car pricing and dealership availability, as two Honda dealers in my vicinity have closed, necessitating a 46 or 80-mile round trip to the nearest dealership. To a merchant.
I have a test drive scheduled for the new 2024 Toyota C-HR on Friday, with the dealership only 3 miles away, and Toyota providing a warranty of up to 10 years.

[paulh2602601]

Received same advice about the MOT at a somewhat loaded 65,000 miles.
It is not possible to replace the rear bushes with OEM or Honda components; instead, one must purchase the rear subframe, which costs almost £2000.00.
I can do the replacement of the front wishbone, but the rear subframe seems to be a significant challenge.

I may retain it and risk that the evaluator has been too stringent or mitigate my losses.
Not an auspicious appearance for a vehicle renowned for its excellent components and prolonged, trouble-free operation for long-term owners.

Quotation from the MOT

“Supervise and rectify if required (recommendations):

Nearside front suspension arm pin or bushing is worn, although does not cause excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i)).
Offside front suspension arm pin or bush is worn but does not cause excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))
Nearside rear sub-frame pin or bushing is worn, however does not cause excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i)). Offside rear sub-frame pin or bushing is worn, yet does not cause excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i)).

[MDMH757]

Regrettably, there are increasing indications of a deterioration in Honda's dependability.

[bl52krz]

I am astonished. I purchased a 2018 HRV from a dealership last year, which has just accumulated 1000 kilometres. I have recently completed the MOT, receiving the same advise as before. The vehicle has barely travelled 19,300 kilometres. It remains under warranty, hence scheduled for next Tuesday. I will be quite displeased if they inform me that it is not covered under warranty. Incredible.

[another_clean_sheet]

I have a 2015 diesel HR-V with 105,000 kilometres. MOT advice. Front suspension bushes on both the driver and passenger sides are deteriorated and split.
Priced at £324 apiece, including VAT, from Honda. The cost for replacement from Honda is £1200, including VAT.
Equivalent OEM automotive components priced at £100 apiece.

[another_clean_sheet]

https://hondadirectparts.co.uk/parts/category/honda-hr-v-genuine-parts/hr-v-2015/steering-suspension-hr-v-2015/