Kia Rio MOT pass rate and common problems
75.6% of 137,723 Kia Rio MOT tests pass.
At 75.6%, the Rio passes slightly less often than the average across all Kia models (80.1%).
At 75.6%, the Kia Rio passes slightly less often than the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Kia Rio?
This is the average across every Kia Rio in the dataset. Look up your own registration for its actual MOT history, and a free place to keep its maintenance records.
Have service invoices? Upload and keep them with your car’s history →
How to check and keep your Kia’s service history →
Pass rate by vehicle age
Pass rate drops sharply with age: the Kia Rio tested at 0–3 years pass 94.8% of the time, compared with just 57.6% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | 94.8% | 4,562 | 20,901 miles |
| 3–6 years | 89.8% | 19,073 | 31,239 miles |
| 6–10 years | 82.0% | 50,297 | 55,531 miles |
| 10–15 years | 66.3% | 53,847 | 80,562 miles |
| 15+ years | 57.6% | 9,944 | 88,666 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Kia Rio
The most common reason the Kia Rio fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 41.5% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 41.5% | Not working |
| Brakes | 37.9% | Less than 1.5 mm thick |
| Suspension | 31.7% | Ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Tyres | 24.4% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Visibility | 20.3% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Steering | 13.1% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 7.5% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Body, chassis, structure | 5.9% | Constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 3.4% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
| Identification of the vehicle | 1.0% | Inscription illegible |
Buying a used Kia Rio: what to check
These checks follow the Kia Rio’s own MOT record: the areas it fails on most often, and how that changes as the car gets older. None of them replaces a mechanic’s inspection, but they tell you where to look first.
The biggest drop in pass rate for the Kia Rio comes between 6–10 years and 10–15 years old, from 82.0% to 66.3%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 30,000–60,000 mi to 60,000–90,000 mi: 81.2% down to 69.7%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 41.5% of failed Kia Rio MOTs. 27.6% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 1.6% at 0–3 years.
Walk round with the lights on: headlights (dipped and main), indicators, brake lights, fog light and number-plate lamp. Check the dashboard warning lights come on with the ignition, then go out once the engine starts.
2. Brakes
Recorded in 37.9% of failed Kia Rio MOTs. 25.8% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes, against 0.8% at 0–3 years.
On the test drive, the car should stop straight without pulling or juddering, and the handbrake should hold it on a slope. Look through the wheels for scored or heavily lipped discs.
3. Suspension
Recorded in 31.7% of failed Kia Rio MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 25.6% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension.
Listen for knocks over bumps and speed humps, and check the car sits level. Push down on each corner: it should settle rather than keep bouncing.
4. Tyres
Recorded in 24.4% of failed Kia Rio MOTs. 9.6% of tests at 15+ years failed on tyres, against 2.7% at 0–3 years.
Check tread depth across the whole width of every tyre, including the inner edge. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems. Look for cuts and bulges in the sidewalls.
5. Windscreen and wipers
Recorded in 20.3% of failed Kia Rio MOTs. 10.6% of tests at 15+ years failed on windscreen and wipers, against 1.5% at 0–3 years.
Look for windscreen chips and cracks in the driver’s line of sight, and check the wipers clear the screen and the washers work.
Check the car’s own MOT history. Averages describe the model, not the car in front of you. Look up its registration for past failures, advisories that were never fixed, and gaps or dips in the recorded mileage.
Ask for the service history. Invoices show what was done and when; a stamp alone shows less. See how to check Kia service history and what a service history check can tell you.
Related Kia models
- Kia Sportage — 82.0% pass rate
- Kia Picanto — 77.1% pass rate
- Kia Ceed — 74.4% pass rate
- Kia Niro — 91.4% pass rate
- Kia Venga — 79.3% pass rate
- Kia Sorento — 76.9% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Kia Rio?
- 75.6% of Kia Rio MOT tests pass, based on 137,723 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Kia Rio?
- The most common reason the Kia Rio fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 41.5% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
- What are the common problems with the Kia Rio?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Kia Rio are lights and electrics; brakes; suspension. 27.6% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 1.6% at 0–3 years.
- What should I check when buying a used Kia Rio?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: lights and electrics; brakes; suspension; tyres; windscreen and wipers. Then check the specific car's MOT history by registration for failures, advisories and mileage, and ask the seller for service invoices.
- Does this show the Kia Rio's service history?
- No — this is MOT test data, which covers roadworthiness, not servicing. A service history is a separate record of maintenance work, which a specific car only has if its owner has kept it. See the Kia service history guide for how to check and keep one.