Kia Stonic MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 20,487 MOT tests on the Kia Stonic carried out in 2023. 11% failed at the first attempt, which is well below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 9 in 10 Stonics passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2017 to 2021. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2021 models did best (96% passed, +4.7 points against the average for 2-year-old cars), while 2018 models fared worst (87%, +2.6 points). Tested cars had covered 27,935 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was visibility, found on 4.7% of tests (roughly in line with the 4.8% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "does not clear the windscreen effectively", on 3.9% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 20,487
- First-time pass rate
- 89%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +17.5 points
- Average mileage at test
- 27,935
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Stonic?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Stonic 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 | 134 | 96% | 91% | +4.7 points | 19,086 |
| 2020 | 4,602 | 92% | 88% | +4.2 points | 18,748 |
| 2019 | 8,147 | 89% | 86% | +3.2 points | 26,349 |
| 2018 | 6,866 | 87% | 84% | +2.6 points | 34,920 |
| 2017 | 728 | 85% | 82% | +3.2 points | 39,716 |
Why the Kia Stonic fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Stonic | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | 4.7% | 4.8% |
| Brakes | 2.8% | 6.8% |
| Tyres | 2.5% | 6.3% |
| Lights and electrics | 1.8% | 11.3% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.4% | 3.1% |
| Suspension | 0.3% | 8.9% |
| Body and structure | 0.2% | 3.5% |
| Steering | 0.2% | 1.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.1% | 1.0% |
| Road Wheels | 0.1% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1does not clear the windscreen effectively3.9%
- 2less than 1.5 mm thick2.1%
- 3tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.2%
- 4has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords0.6%
- 5provides insufficient washer liquid0.5%
- 6not working0.4%
- 7too low0.4%
- 8too high0.4%
- 9not working0.3%
- 10inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.3%
Common Stonic MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Stonic, 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 | 11.3% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 10.1% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 4.7% |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | Non-component advisories | 2.5% |
| significantly and obviously worn | Brakes | 2.4% |
| Nail in tyre | Non-component advisories | 2.3% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 2.1% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 1.7% |
| excessively binding | Brakes | 1.4% |
| Items removed from drivers view prior to test | Non-component advisories | 0.9% |
Tips to help your Stonic pass
Based on where Stonics most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Visibility · 4.7% of Stonic 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.
Brakes · 2.8% of Stonic 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 · 1.8% of Stonic 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 Stonic ULEZ compliant? See the Kia Stonic ULEZ check, or view all Kia models.
Other Kia models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 20,487 first MOT tests of the Kia Stonic 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 20,487 first MOT tests of the Kia Stonic.
What is the Kia Stonic MOT failure rate?
In our data, 11% of 20,487 first MOT attempts on the Kia Stonic ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Kia Stonic fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were visibility (4.7% of tests), brakes (2.8% of tests), tyres (2.5% of tests).
Which Stonic year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2021 cars performed best: 96% passed first time, +4.7 points against the average for 2-year-old cars. The weakest was 2018, at 87% (+2.6 points).
How many miles had a typical Kia Stonic covered at its MOT?
The average was 27,935 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2021 cars averaged 19,086 miles and 2017 cars 39,716.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Kia Stonic?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 11.3% of tests, in the tyres area. 2.5% of Stonics failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Stonic's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 20,487 Stonics in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 85% to 96% 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 · 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
Check any Stonic's MOT history
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