Kia Ceed MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 121,354 MOT tests on the Kia Ceed carried out in 2023. 32% failed at the first attempt, which is slightly above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 7 in 10 Ceeds passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2007 to 2022. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2022 models did best (94% passed, +0.8 points against the average for 1-year-old cars), while 2011 models fared worst (51%, −11.6 points). Tested cars had covered 72,998 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 13.5% of tests (slightly above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 7.0% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 121,354
- First-time pass rate
- 68%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −3.9 points
- Average mileage at test
- 72,998
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Ceed?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Ceed 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 95 | 94% | 93% | +0.8 points | 36,875 |
| 2021 | 203 | 90% | 91% | −0.7 points | 34,628 |
| 2020 | 4,387 | 86% | 88% | −2.1 points | 27,019 |
| 2019 | 10,092 | 85% | 86% | −1.5 points | 35,371 |
| 2018 | 9,412 | 83% | 84% | −1.6 points | 43,498 |
| 2017 | 8,635 | 81% | 82% | −0.6 points | 53,133 |
| 2016 | 9,780 | 78% | 79% | −1.0 points | 60,567 |
| 2015 | 11,348 | 75% | 75% | −0.7 points | 67,559 |
| 2014 | 11,350 | 68% | 72% | −4.1 points | 74,246 |
| 2013 | 11,306 | 63% | 68% | −5.2 points | 85,772 |
| 2012 | 12,132 | 57% | 66% | −8.2 points | 92,032 |
| 2011 | 7,653 | 51% | 63% | −11.6 points | 96,988 |
| 2010 | 8,808 | 53% | 60% | −7.5 points | 97,059 |
| 2009 | 7,892 | 52% | 59% | −7.0 points | 96,136 |
| 2008 | 5,360 | 50% | 57% | −7.5 points | 103,519 |
| 2007 | 2,885 | 48% | 57% | −9.2 points | 105,998 |
Why the Kia Ceed fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Ceed | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 13.5% | 11.3% |
| Brakes | 9.5% | 6.8% |
| Suspension | 8.5% | 8.9% |
| Tyres | 7.6% | 6.3% |
| Visibility | 6.1% | 4.8% |
| Steering | 4.9% | 1.8% |
| Body and structure | 1.8% | 3.5% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.7% | 3.1% |
| Road Wheels | 0.4% | 0.4% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.4% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working7.0%
- 2ball joint has excessive play3.7%
- 3ball joint excessively worn3.6%
- 4tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.1%
- 5does not clear the windscreen effectively2.6%
- 6less than 1.5 mm thick2.6%
- 7not working on dipped beam2.5%
- 8efficiency below requirements2.4%
- 9provides insufficient washer liquid2.1%
- 10excessively binding2.1%
Common Ceed MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Ceed, 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 | 17.9% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 11.9% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 10.3% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 8.9% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 8.7% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 4.8% |
| excessively binding | Brakes | 4.0% |
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 3.6% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 3.5% |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | Non-component advisories | 2.8% |
Tips to help your Ceed pass
Based on where Ceeds most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 13.5% of Ceed 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 · 9.5% of Ceed 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 Ceed ULEZ compliant? See the Kia Ceed ULEZ check, or view all Kia models.
Other Kia models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 121,354 first MOT tests of the Kia Ceed 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 121,354 first MOT tests of the Kia Ceed.
What is the Kia Ceed MOT failure rate?
In our data, 32% of 121,354 first MOT attempts on the Kia Ceed ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Kia Ceed fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (13.5% of tests), brakes (9.5% of tests), suspension (8.5% of tests).
Which Ceed year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2022 cars performed best: 94% passed first time, +0.8 points against the average for 1-year-old cars. The weakest was 2011, at 51% (−11.6 points).
How many miles had a typical Kia Ceed covered at its MOT?
The average was 72,998 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2022 cars averaged 36,875 miles and 2007 cars 105,998.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Kia Ceed?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 17.9% of tests, in the tyres area. 7.6% of Ceeds failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Ceed's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 121,354 Ceeds in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 48% to 94% 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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