Kia Optima MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 11,539 MOT tests on the Kia Optima carried out in 2023. 20% failed at the first attempt, which is well below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 8 in 10 Optimas passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2012 to 2020. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2016 models did best (83% passed, +4.9 points against the average for 7-year-old cars), while 2019 models fared worst (81%, −5.3 points). Tested cars had covered 66,939 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was tyres, found on 7.0% of tests (roughly in line with the 6.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "less than 1.5 mm thick", on 3.7% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 11,539
- First-time pass rate
- 80%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +8.1 points
- Average mileage at test
- 66,939
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Optima?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Optima 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 155 | 88% | 88% | +0.1 points | 44,804 |
| 2019 | 1,704 | 81% | 86% | −5.3 points | 49,645 |
| 2018 | 2,736 | 83% | 84% | −0.8 points | 59,134 |
| 2017 | 3,328 | 82% | 82% | −0.0 points | 68,218 |
| 2016 | 1,284 | 83% | 79% | +4.9 points | 69,768 |
| 2015 | 627 | 75% | 75% | −0.0 points | 75,762 |
| 2014 | 598 | 69% | 72% | −2.8 points | 83,591 |
| 2013 | 347 | 70% | 68% | +1.5 points | 91,747 |
| 2012 | 714 | 62% | 66% | −3.3 points | 96,101 |
Why the Kia Optima fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Optima | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 7.0% | 6.3% |
| Brakes | 6.9% | 6.8% |
| Lights and electrics | 3.9% | 11.3% |
| Visibility | 3.8% | 4.8% |
| Steering | 1.8% | 1.8% |
| Suspension | 1.8% | 8.9% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.1% | 3.1% |
| Body and structure | 0.5% | 3.5% |
| Road Wheels | 0.4% | 0.4% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.4% | 1.0% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1less than 1.5 mm thick3.7%
- 2tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.6%
- 3does not clear the windscreen effectively2.3%
- 4has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.7%
- 5has ply or cords exposed1.6%
- 6ball joint has excessive play1.1%
- 7too high0.9%
- 8excessively binding0.9%
- 9efficiency below requirements0.9%
- 10ball joint excessively worn0.9%
Common Optima MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Optima, 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 | 18.0% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 13.1% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 8.5% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 6.2% |
| significantly and obviously worn | Brakes | 3.3% |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | Non-component advisories | 3.0% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 2.6% |
| excessively binding | Brakes | 2.2% |
| Nail in tyre | Non-component advisories | 2.1% |
| inscription illegible | Number plates and VIN | 2.0% |
Tips to help your Optima pass
Based on where Optimas most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Brakes · 6.9% of Optima 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.
Lights and electrics · 3.9% of Optima 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.
Visibility · 3.8% of Optima tests
Clear the view
Replace wiper blades that smear, fill the washer bottle and get chips in the windscreen repaired early, especially in the area directly in front of the driver.
Compare with other models
Is the Optima ULEZ compliant? See the Kia Optima ULEZ check, or view all Kia models.
Other Kia models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 11,539 first MOT tests of the Kia Optima 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 11,539 first MOT tests of the Kia Optima.
What is the Kia Optima MOT failure rate?
In our data, 20% of 11,539 first MOT attempts on the Kia Optima ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Kia Optima fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were tyres (7.0% of tests), brakes (6.9% of tests), lights and electrics (3.9% of tests).
Which Optima year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2016 cars performed best: 83% passed first time, +4.9 points against the average for 7-year-old cars. The weakest was 2019, at 81% (−5.3 points).
How many miles had a typical Kia Optima covered at its MOT?
The average was 66,939 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2020 cars averaged 44,804 miles and 2012 cars 96,101.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Kia Optima?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 18.0% of tests, in the tyres area. 7.0% of Optimas failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Optima's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 11,539 Optimas in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 62% to 88% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 4 min readTyre tread depth and the MOT: the legal limit and how to check6.3% of cars failed their 2023 MOT on tyres. The 1.6mm legal limit, what testers look for beyond tread, and a one-minute check with a 20p coin.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 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
Check any Optima's MOT history
Every test, failure, advisory and recorded mileage for a specific car. Free, from official DVSA data.