2021 · 3 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2021 Kia Rio MOT pass rate and common faults

3,635 MOT tests in 2024. 92.0% passed first time, compared with 87.6% for all cars the same age.

105Above average
Passed first time92.0%
Failed or needed repairs8.0%
Typical mileage at test19,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 3,635 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.4%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.0%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick0.8%
    39 marked dangerous
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm0.7%
    31 marked dangerous
  5. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.7%
    25 marked dangerous
  6. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed0.5%
    20 marked dangerous
  7. Headlamp aim: too low0.4%
  8. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play0.3%
  9. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres3.3%
  2. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.2%
  3. Lights & electrics2.0%
  4. Brakes1.2%
  5. Steering0.3%
  6. Emissions & leaks0.3%
  7. Suspension0.2%
  8. Body & chassis0.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm7.3%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick3.9%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure3.3%
  4. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play2.3%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.8%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. 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.

← 2020 RioAll Rio years

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2021 Kia Rio?

In 2024, 92.0% of 2021 Kia Rio cars passed their MOT first time, across 3,635 tests. The average for all 3-year-old cars was 87.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2021 Kia Rio?

The most common failure reasons were wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2021 Kia Rio reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 105, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).