Kia Carens MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 15,999 MOT tests on the Kia Carens carried out in 2023. 36% failed at the first attempt, which is noticeably above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 6 in 10 Carenses passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2003 to 2019. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2014 models did best (67% passed, −4.4 points against the average for 9-year-old cars), while 2005 models fared worst (33%, −22.9 points). Tested cars had covered 74,637 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 13.8% of tests (slightly above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 7.5% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 15,999
- First-time pass rate
- 64%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −7.1 points
- Average mileage at test
- 74,637
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Carens?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Carens MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 91 | 79% | 86% | −7.1 points | 41,313 |
| 2018 | 1,632 | 78% | 84% | −6.4 points | 42,766 |
| 2017 | 1,846 | 74% | 82% | −7.3 points | 52,219 |
| 2016 | 1,802 | 73% | 79% | −5.4 points | 60,737 |
| 2015 | 2,179 | 70% | 75% | −5.3 points | 71,164 |
| 2014 | 2,246 | 67% | 72% | −4.4 points | 78,675 |
| 2013 | 1,426 | 64% | 68% | −4.5 points | 86,253 |
| 2012 | 117 | 56% | 66% | −10.1 points | 90,698 |
| 2011 | 394 | 49% | 63% | −14.3 points | 94,289 |
| 2010 | 367 | 55% | 60% | −5.7 points | 95,409 |
| 2009 | 1,300 | 52% | 59% | −6.8 points | 95,685 |
| 2008 | 1,222 | 48% | 57% | −9.2 points | 100,216 |
| 2007 | 575 | 46% | 57% | −11.0 points | 104,434 |
| 2006 | 371 | 41% | 56% | −14.9 points | 94,364 |
| 2005 | 192 | 33% | 56% | −22.9 points | 86,547 |
| 2004 | 125 | 38% | 56% | −17.6 points | 78,327 |
| 2003 | 79 | 49% | 57% | −7.3 points | 74,437 |
Why the Kia Carens fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Carens | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 13.8% | 11.3% |
| Brakes | 13.5% | 6.8% |
| Suspension | 10.0% | 8.9% |
| Tyres | 9.0% | 6.3% |
| Visibility | 5.3% | 4.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.0% | 3.1% |
| Body and structure | 2.8% | 3.5% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 1.9% | 1.0% |
| Steering | 1.8% | 1.8% |
| Road Wheels | 0.5% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working7.5%
- 2less than 1.5 mm thick4.7%
- 3efficiency below requirements4.2%
- 4ball joint excessively worn3.8%
- 5not working on dipped beam2.9%
- 6has ply or cords exposed2.7%
- 7tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.5%
- 8does not clear the windscreen effectively2.4%
- 9has a serious fluid leak1.9%
- 10has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.8%
Common Carens MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Carens, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 18.9% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 14.9% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 13.1% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 9.7% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 6.0% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 4.7% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 4.5% |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | Non-component advisories | 4.5% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 4.4% |
| significantly and obviously worn | Brakes | 3.7% |
Tips to help your Carens pass
Based on where Carenses most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 13.8% of Carens tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Brakes · 13.5% of Carens tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Compare with other models
Is the Carens ULEZ compliant? See the Kia Carens ULEZ check, or view all Kia models.
Other Kia models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 15,999 first MOT tests of the Kia Carens carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 15,999 first MOT tests of the Kia Carens.
What is the Kia Carens MOT failure rate?
In our data, 36% of 15,999 first MOT attempts on the Kia Carens ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Kia Carens fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (13.8% of tests), brakes (13.5% of tests), suspension (10.0% of tests).
Which Carens year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2014 cars performed best: 67% passed first time, −4.4 points against the average for 9-year-old cars. The weakest was 2005, at 33% (−22.9 points).
How many miles had a typical Kia Carens covered at its MOT?
The average was 74,637 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2019 cars averaged 41,313 miles and 2003 cars 74,437.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Kia Carens?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 18.9% of tests, in the tyres area. 9.0% of Carenses failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Carens's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 15,999 Carenses in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 33% to 79% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
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