2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Kia Rio MOT pass rate and common faults

151 MOT tests in 2024. 50.3% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

88Well below average
Passed first time50.3%
Failed or needed repairs49.7%
Typical mileage at test68,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 151 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength7.9%
  2. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively7.9%
  3. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt6.6%
  4. Position lamp: not working6.0%
  5. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect5.3%
  6. Wheel bearings: rough when rotated5.3%
  7. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded5.3%
  8. Service brake imbalance: across an axle5.3%
  9. Wheel bearings: has excessive play4.6%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension30.5%
  2. Lights & electrics27.8%
  3. Brakes27.2%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)14.6%
  5. Body & chassis13.9%
  6. Tyres7.3%
  7. Emissions & leaks6.6%
  8. Steering4.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded29.8%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine19.9%
  3. Wheel bearings: has excessive play19.2%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.9%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure10.6%

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: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. 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 2003 Kia Rio?

In 2024, 50.3% of 2003 Kia Rio cars passed their MOT first time, across 151 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Kia Rio?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2003 Kia Rio reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 88, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).