2004 · 20 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2004 Kia Picanto MOT pass rate and common faults

1,652 MOT tests in 2024. 53.4% passed first time, compared with 56.4% for all cars the same age.

95Below average
Passed first time53.4%
Failed or needed repairs46.6%
Typical mileage at test74,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,652 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements6.8%
  2. Position lamp: not working5.4%
  3. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.7%
  4. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases4.3%
  5. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively4.3%
  6. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect4.2%
  7. Service brake performance: excessively binding4.1%
  8. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.8%
  9. Parking brake performance: inoperative on one side3.5%
  10. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn3.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes33.6%
  2. Lights & electrics28.2%
  3. Suspension24.8%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)12.5%
  5. Emissions & leaks12.3%
  6. Body & chassis9.2%
  7. Tyres9.2%
  8. Steering7.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened23.4%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm16.5%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure16.2%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine15.1%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened14.9%

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: rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All Picanto years2005 Picanto →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 Kia Picanto?

In 2024, 53.4% of 2004 Kia Picanto cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,652 tests. The average for all 20-year-old cars was 56.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2004 Kia Picanto?

The most common failure reasons were rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements; position lamp: not working; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2004 Kia Picanto reliable at MOT time?

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