Comparison · family hatchbacks

Kia Ceed vs Toyota Corolla: which is more reliable?

The Toyota Corolla does better at the MOT, with a score of 103 against 93 for the Kia Ceed, comparing each with cars of the same age. Based on 225,472 real MOT tests in 2024.

Kia Ceed

93Below average
MOT tests116,206

Toyota Corolla

103Above average
MOT tests109,266

By age

MOT Rank score for each age group (100 = an average car that age).

Age at testKia CeedToyota Corolla
3–5 years
97Below average
103Above average
6–9 years
99About average
–
10–14 years
88Well below average
–
15+ years
87Well below average
104Above average

Year by year

Share that passed first time, same registration year.

YearKia CeedToyota Corolla
202184.0%89.3%
202084.1%89.1%
201982.3%88.5%
200951.5%61.6%
200849.9%61.2%
200748.0%59.5%

Problem areas

Failure items per 100 tests.

AreaKia CeedToyota Corolla
Lights & electrics18.518.2
Brakes15.711.6
Suspension11.15.6
Tyres8.95.8
Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.36.5
Emissions & leaks2.33.4
Steering5.00.5
Body & chassis1.93.4

Kia Ceed: top failures

  1. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play3.0%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.9%
  3. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.6%
  4. Position lamp: not working2.6%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.5%
  6. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.0%

Toyota Corolla: top failures

  1. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.2%
  2. Position lamp: not working2.8%
  3. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.1%
  4. Stop lamp: not working1.8%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.6%
  6. Service brake performance: excessively binding1.5%

Questions

Which is more reliable, the Kia Ceed or the Toyota Corolla?

The Toyota Corolla does better at the MOT, with a score of 103 against 93 for the Kia Ceed, comparing each with cars of the same age.

Which years of the Kia Ceed and Toyota Corolla can be compared?

Both were tested for 6 registration years (2007–2021). The Kia Ceed had the higher pass rate in 0 of them and the Toyota Corolla in 6.

What fails most on each?

Kia Ceed: track rod end: ball joint has excessive play; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. Toyota Corolla: wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; position lamp: not working.