Kia Rio MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 98,477 MOT tests on the Kia Rio carried out in 2023. 30% 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 Rios passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2002 to 2021. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2020 models did best (92% passed, +4.0 points against the average for 3-year-old cars), while 2003 models fared worst (48%, −8.2 points). Tested cars had covered 60,314 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 10.4% of tests (roughly in line with the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 5.4% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 98,477
- First-time pass rate
- 70%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −1.6 points
- Average mileage at test
- 60,314
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Rio?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Rio 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 | 103 | 93% | 91% | +2.4 points | 18,729 |
| 2020 | 3,391 | 92% | 88% | +4.0 points | 19,103 |
| 2019 | 4,847 | 88% | 86% | +2.0 points | 25,267 |
| 2018 | 5,751 | 85% | 84% | +1.0 points | 32,947 |
| 2017 | 8,133 | 84% | 82% | +2.2 points | 41,451 |
| 2016 | 8,909 | 80% | 79% | +1.1 points | 45,784 |
| 2015 | 11,409 | 77% | 75% | +1.7 points | 53,581 |
| 2014 | 11,125 | 69% | 72% | −2.6 points | 62,917 |
| 2013 | 10,190 | 62% | 68% | −5.9 points | 70,562 |
| 2012 | 9,281 | 61% | 66% | −4.4 points | 78,595 |
| 2011 | 7,236 | 57% | 63% | −6.4 points | 77,431 |
| 2010 | 6,566 | 56% | 60% | −4.0 points | 81,197 |
| 2009 | 5,253 | 56% | 59% | −3.0 points | 80,466 |
| 2008 | 2,329 | 51% | 57% | −5.9 points | 88,036 |
| 2007 | 1,406 | 52% | 57% | −5.2 points | 89,663 |
| 2006 | 1,146 | 52% | 56% | −4.5 points | 90,491 |
| 2005 | 648 | 52% | 56% | −4.7 points | 83,184 |
| 2004 | 371 | 49% | 56% | −6.7 points | 68,608 |
| 2003 | 227 | 48% | 57% | −8.2 points | 70,860 |
| 2002 | 122 | 53% | 58% | −4.2 points | 67,664 |
Why the Kia Rio fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Rio | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 10.4% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 8.0% | 8.9% |
| Brakes | 7.9% | 6.8% |
| Tyres | 7.0% | 6.3% |
| Visibility | 6.3% | 4.8% |
| Steering | 4.2% | 1.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 2.1% | 3.1% |
| Body and structure | 1.9% | 3.5% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 1.2% | 1.0% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.3% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working5.4%
- 2does not clear the windscreen effectively3.2%
- 3ball joint has excessive play3.1%
- 4ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.1%
- 5tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.1%
- 6ball joint excessively worn2.9%
- 7less than 1.5 mm thick2.3%
- 8provides insufficient washer liquid1.8%
- 9efficiency below requirements1.5%
- 10not working on dipped beam1.4%
Common Rio MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Rio, 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 | 16.6% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 10.7% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 10.0% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 8.3% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 5.4% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 4.3% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 3.9% |
| significantly and obviously worn | Brakes | 3.1% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 2.9% |
| excessively binding | Brakes | 2.9% |
Tips to help your Rio pass
Based on where Rios most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 10.4% of Rio 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 · 7.9% of Rio 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 Rio ULEZ compliant? See the Kia Rio ULEZ check, or view all Kia models.
Other Kia models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 98,477 first MOT tests of the Kia Rio 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 98,477 first MOT tests of the Kia Rio.
What is the Kia Rio MOT failure rate?
In our data, 30% of 98,477 first MOT attempts on the Kia Rio ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Kia Rio fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (10.4% of tests), suspension (8.0% of tests), brakes (7.9% of tests).
Which Rio year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2020 cars performed best: 92% passed first time, +4.0 points against the average for 3-year-old cars. The weakest was 2003, at 48% (−8.2 points).
How many miles had a typical Kia Rio covered at its MOT?
The average was 60,314 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2021 cars averaged 18,729 miles and 2002 cars 67,664.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Kia Rio?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 16.6% of tests, in the tyres area. 7.0% of Rios failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Rio's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 98,477 Rios in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 48% to 93% 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 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
- 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
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