Kia common problems and MOT failures
From 1,462,629 MOT tests in 2024, 16.8% of Kia vehicles failed. Below are the most common reasons, ranked by how often they occur.
Top Kia MOT failure reasons
| # | Problem | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | suspension pin, bush or joint worn | 39,047 |
| 2 | tyre tread depth outside legal limits | 33,129 |
| 3 | brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm | 25,377 |
| 4 | tyre seriously damaged | 24,788 |
| 5 | wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen | 20,931 |
| 6 | steering ball joint with excessive wear or free play | 20,334 |
| 7 | parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement | 19,116 |
| 8 | windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen | 17,006 |
| 9 | lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning | 16,795 |
| 10 | suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc | 16,703 |
What this means if you're buying a Kia
The single most common MOT failure for Kia is suspension pin, bush or joint worn, accounting for 17% of all failure items. Suspension repairs typically cost £150–£400 depending on the component.
These figures are from real MOT inspections — they show what testers actually find wrong with Kia vehicles. If you're viewing a used Kia, it's worth checking these areas specifically.
Kia models by MOT pass rate
Lowest pass rates first — these models have the most testable issues.
Buying a specific Kia? Check the individual vehicle's MOT history for free on GOV.UK to see its actual test results, advisories, and mileage readings.
Check MOT history on GOV.UK