Kia Picanto MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 179,070 MOT tests on the Kia Picanto carried out in 2023. 29% failed at the first attempt, which is roughly in line with the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 7 in 10 Picantos passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2004 to 2021. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2015 models did best (78% passed, +2.8 points against the average for 8-year-old cars), while 2006 models fared worst (50%, −6.3 points). Tested cars had covered 45,044 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was brakes, found on 10.1% of tests (slightly above the 6.8% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 5.1% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 179,070
- First-time pass rate
- 71%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +0.0 points
- Average mileage at test
- 45,044
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Picanto?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Picanto 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 352 | 91% | 91% | +0.6 points | 14,219 |
| 2020 | 8,942 | 90% | 88% | +2.6 points | 15,367 |
| 2019 | 17,514 | 87% | 86% | +0.3 points | 19,691 |
| 2018 | 16,399 | 85% | 84% | +0.9 points | 25,563 |
| 2017 | 13,338 | 82% | 82% | +0.8 points | 30,652 |
| 2016 | 12,613 | 78% | 79% | −0.7 points | 35,402 |
| 2015 | 13,626 | 78% | 75% | +2.8 points | 40,936 |
| 2014 | 14,631 | 74% | 72% | +1.9 points | 46,740 |
| 2013 | 12,882 | 68% | 68% | −0.3 points | 52,586 |
| 2012 | 13,433 | 63% | 66% | −2.6 points | 59,126 |
| 2011 | 10,848 | 60% | 63% | −3.1 points | 61,684 |
| 2010 | 13,472 | 58% | 60% | −2.4 points | 61,799 |
| 2009 | 13,422 | 56% | 59% | −2.9 points | 61,945 |
| 2008 | 3,411 | 55% | 57% | −2.4 points | 69,315 |
| 2007 | 3,091 | 52% | 57% | −4.6 points | 69,413 |
| 2006 | 4,723 | 50% | 56% | −6.3 points | 71,253 |
| 2005 | 4,197 | 51% | 56% | −5.5 points | 73,489 |
| 2004 | 2,157 | 52% | 56% | −3.9 points | 75,247 |
Why the Kia Picanto fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Picanto | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 10.1% | 6.8% |
| Lights and electrics | 9.0% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 6.9% | 8.9% |
| Tyres | 6.3% | 6.3% |
| Visibility | 6.3% | 4.8% |
| Body and structure | 3.4% | 3.5% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.0% | 3.1% |
| Steering | 1.2% | 1.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.9% | 1.0% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.2% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working5.1%
- 2efficiency below requirements3.7%
- 3does not clear the windscreen effectively3.4%
- 4inoperative on one side2.2%
- 5tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.1%
- 6ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.0%
- 7ball joint excessively worn2.0%
- 8provides insufficient washer liquid1.9%
- 9fractured or broken1.7%
- 10excessively binding1.7%
Common Picanto MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Picanto, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 13.1% |
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 12.5% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 8.3% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 6.7% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 5.7% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 3.9% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.8% |
| excessively binding | Brakes | 3.7% |
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 2.4% |
| has a major leak of exhaust gases | Body and structure | 2.2% |
Tips to help your Picanto pass
Based on where Picantos most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Brakes · 10.1% of Picanto 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 · 9.0% of Picanto 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.
Compare with other models
Is the Picanto ULEZ compliant? See the Kia Picanto ULEZ check, or view all Kia models.
Other Kia models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 179,070 first MOT tests of the Kia Picanto 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 179,070 first MOT tests of the Kia Picanto.
What is the Kia Picanto MOT failure rate?
In our data, 29% of 179,070 first MOT attempts on the Kia Picanto ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Kia Picanto fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were brakes (10.1% of tests), lights and electrics (9.0% of tests), suspension (6.9% of tests).
Which Picanto year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2015 cars performed best: 78% passed first time, +2.8 points against the average for 8-year-old cars. The weakest was 2006, at 50% (−6.3 points).
How many miles had a typical Kia Picanto covered at its MOT?
The average was 45,044 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2021 cars averaged 14,219 miles and 2004 cars 75,247.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Kia Picanto?
"has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure" was recorded on 13.1% of tests, in the tyres area. 6.3% of Picantos failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Picanto's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 179,070 Picantos in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 50% to 91% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- 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
- 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
Check any Picanto's MOT history
Every test, failure, advisory and recorded mileage for a specific car. Free, from official DVSA data.