2020 · 4 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2020 Kia Optima MOT pass rate and common faults

137 MOT tests in 2024. 82.5% passed first time, compared with 86.9% for all cars the same age.

95Below average
Passed first time82.5%
Failed or needed repairs17.5%
Typical mileage at test49,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 137 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively7.3%
  2. Headlamp aim: too low2.2%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.2%
  4. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play1.5%
  5. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.5%
    4 marked dangerous
  6. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick0.7%
    1 marked dangerous
  7. Rbt (sp): efficiency less than 50% of the required value0.7%
    1 marked dangerous
  8. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm0.7%
    1 marked dangerous
  9. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.3%
  2. Tyres4.4%
  3. Lights & electrics3.6%
  4. Brakes3.6%
  5. Steering1.5%
  6. Emissions & leaks0.7%
  7. Wheels0.7%
  8. Suspension0.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm19.0%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick13.9%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure8.0%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened8.0%
  5. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn2.2%

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: wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2019 OptimaAll Optima years

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2020 Kia Optima?

In 2024, 82.5% of 2020 Kia Optima cars passed their MOT first time, across 137 tests. The average for all 4-year-old cars was 86.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2020 Kia Optima?

The most common failure reasons were wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; headlamp aim: too low; tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. The biggest problem area was visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors).

Is the 2020 Kia Optima reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 95, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).