2018 · 6 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2018 Kia Optima MOT pass rate and common faults

2,671 MOT tests in 2024. 83.3% passed first time, compared with 82.5% for all cars the same age.

101About average
Passed first time83.3%
Failed or needed repairs16.7%
Typical mileage at test65,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,671 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick4.0%
    144 marked dangerous
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.7%
    100 marked dangerous
  3. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.5%
  4. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.5%
    52 marked dangerous
  5. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.3%
  6. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.9%
  7. Headlamp aim: too high0.8%
  8. Electronic parking brake: control defective so that it cannot be satisfactorily operated0.5%
  9. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements0.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes7.9%
  2. Tyres7.7%
  3. Lights & electrics3.3%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.5%
  5. Emissions & leaks1.3%
  6. Seat belts & airbags0.4%
  7. Steering0.3%
  8. Suspension0.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm19.7%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick14.6%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened7.9%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure5.9%
  5. Non-component advisories: Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt3.8%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. 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 2018 Kia Optima?

In 2024, 83.3% of 2018 Kia Optima cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,671 tests. The average for all 6-year-old cars was 82.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2018 Kia Optima?

The most common failure reasons were brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2018 Kia Optima reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 101, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).