Kia Soul MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 24,078 MOT tests on the Kia Soul 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 Souls passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2009 to 2020. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2015 models did best (82% passed, +6.9 points against the average for 8-year-old cars), while 2013 models fared worst (64%, −4.7 points). Tested cars had covered 63,720 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 9.2% of tests (slightly below the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "ball joint has excessive play", on 6.8% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 24,078
- First-time pass rate
- 71%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −0.0 points
- Average mileage at test
- 63,720
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Soul?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Soul 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 | 869 | 93% | 88% | +5.1 points | 23,094 |
| 2019 | 346 | 87% | 86% | +1.1 points | 23,535 |
| 2018 | 1,977 | 86% | 84% | +2.0 points | 30,512 |
| 2017 | 1,708 | 84% | 82% | +2.4 points | 38,107 |
| 2016 | 2,152 | 84% | 79% | +5.4 points | 46,154 |
| 2015 | 2,626 | 82% | 75% | +6.9 points | 54,173 |
| 2014 | 2,666 | 77% | 72% | +5.8 points | 60,977 |
| 2013 | 1,307 | 64% | 68% | −4.7 points | 65,435 |
| 2012 | 1,642 | 62% | 66% | −3.3 points | 72,230 |
| 2011 | 3,449 | 59% | 63% | −4.5 points | 83,504 |
| 2010 | 3,021 | 58% | 60% | −2.7 points | 88,608 |
| 2009 | 2,272 | 55% | 59% | −4.0 points | 94,885 |
Why the Kia Soul fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Soul | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 9.2% | 11.3% |
| Brakes | 8.5% | 6.8% |
| Steering | 7.9% | 1.8% |
| Suspension | 6.4% | 8.9% |
| Tyres | 6.0% | 6.3% |
| Visibility | 5.1% | 4.8% |
| Body and structure | 1.4% | 3.5% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.2% | 3.1% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.3% | 1.0% |
| Road Wheels | 0.3% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1ball joint has excessive play6.8%
- 2not working4.4%
- 3ball joint excessively worn2.9%
- 4less than 1.5 mm thick2.6%
- 5does not clear the windscreen effectively2.5%
- 6tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.2%
- 7efficiency below requirements2.1%
- 8ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.7%
- 9provides insufficient washer liquid1.6%
- 10has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.4%
Common Soul MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Soul, 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 | 15.1% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 10.2% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 9.8% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 9.4% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 6.7% |
| ball joint has excessive play | Steering | 4.4% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 3.2% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.1% |
| excessively binding | Brakes | 3.0% |
| significantly and obviously worn | Brakes | 3.0% |
Tips to help your Soul pass
Based on where Souls most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 9.2% of Soul 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 · 8.5% of Soul 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.
Steering · 7.9% of Soul tests
Feel for play in the steering
Clunks or play in the steering wheel, uneven tyre wear or a split steering rack gaiter are all reasons to book an inspection before the test.
Compare with other models
Is the Soul ULEZ compliant? See the Kia Soul ULEZ check, or view all Kia models.
Other Kia models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 24,078 first MOT tests of the Kia Soul 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 24,078 first MOT tests of the Kia Soul.
What is the Kia Soul MOT failure rate?
In our data, 29% of 24,078 first MOT attempts on the Kia Soul ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Kia Soul fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (9.2% of tests), brakes (8.5% of tests), steering (7.9% of tests).
Which Soul year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2015 cars performed best: 82% passed first time, +6.9 points against the average for 8-year-old cars. The weakest was 2013, at 64% (−4.7 points).
How many miles had a typical Kia Soul covered at its MOT?
The average was 63,720 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2020 cars averaged 23,094 miles and 2009 cars 94,885.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Kia Soul?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 15.1% of tests, in the tyres area. 6.0% of Souls failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Soul's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 24,078 Souls in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 55% 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 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
Check any Soul's MOT history
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