2016 · 8 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2016 Kia Optima MOT pass rate and common faults

1,219 MOT tests in 2024. 80.6% passed first time, compared with 76.6% for all cars the same age.

105Above average
Passed first time80.6%
Failed or needed repairs19.4%
Typical mileage at test75,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,219 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick4.0%
    72 marked dangerous
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.6%
    56 marked dangerous
  3. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.7%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.4%
  5. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.1%
    13 marked dangerous
  6. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault0.9%
  7. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.8%
  8. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt0.7%
  9. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn0.7%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Brakes10.3%
  2. Tyres6.7%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.6%
  4. Lights & electrics2.7%
  5. Suspension2.3%
  6. Emissions & leaks1.5%
  7. Steering1.4%
  8. Body & chassis0.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm18.9%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick11.3%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.4%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure6.5%
  5. Registration plates: inscription illegible3.9%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2016 Kia Optima?

In 2024, 80.6% of 2016 Kia Optima cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,219 tests. The average for all 8-year-old cars was 76.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2016 Kia Optima?

The most common failure reasons were brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2016 Kia Optima reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 105, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).