2019 · 5 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2019 Kia Optima MOT pass rate and common faults

1,660 MOT tests in 2024. 82.3% passed first time, compared with 84.9% for all cars the same age.

97Below average
Passed first time82.3%
Failed or needed repairs17.6%
Typical mileage at test56,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,660 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick3.1%
    63 marked dangerous
  2. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.3%
  3. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.2%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.9%
    45 marked dangerous
  5. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.6%
    39 marked dangerous
  6. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.4%
  7. Headlamp aim: too high0.5%
  8. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn0.5%
  9. Electronic parking brake: control defective so that it cannot be satisfactorily operated0.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes6.8%
  2. Tyres6.5%
  3. Emissions & leaks3.1%
  4. Lights & electrics3.1%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.0%
  6. Steering0.5%
  7. Wheels0.4%
  8. Body & chassis0.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm18.0%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick14.8%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened7.3%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure5.3%
  5. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn3.3%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. 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 2019 Kia Optima?

In 2024, 82.3% of 2019 Kia Optima cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,660 tests. The average for all 5-year-old cars was 84.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2019 Kia Optima?

The most common failure reasons were brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2019 Kia Optima reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 97, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).