2004 · 20 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2004 Kia Rio MOT pass rate and common faults

295 MOT tests in 2024. 47.8% passed first time, compared with 56.4% for all cars the same age.

85Well below average
Passed first time47.8%
Failed or needed repairs52.2%
Typical mileage at test67,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 295 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt12.2%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength7.1%
  3. Wheel bearings: has excessive play6.8%
  4. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect6.4%
  5. Wheel bearings: rough when rotated6.4%
  6. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively5.1%
  7. Service brake imbalance: across an axle4.7%
  8. Position lamp: not working4.4%
  9. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm4.4%
    23 marked dangerous
  10. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction4.1%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension35.9%
  2. Lights & electrics30.8%
  3. Brakes27.1%
  4. Body & chassis23.4%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)13.9%
  6. Emissions & leaks13.9%
  7. Tyres12.2%
  8. Seat belts & airbags3.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine23.7%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded21.0%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure19.7%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm17.6%
  5. Wheel bearings: has excessive play15.6%

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: joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. 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 2004 Kia Rio?

In 2024, 47.8% of 2004 Kia Rio cars passed their MOT first time, across 295 tests. The average for all 20-year-old cars was 56.4%.

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

The most common failure reasons were joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; wheel bearings: has excessive play. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2004 Kia Rio reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 85, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).