Family hatchback · 2006–2021 cars

Kia Ceed reliability

The Kia Ceed fails 32.7% of first MOT tests, 16% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 380,075 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.

Below averageReliability score 36/100#45 of 65 family hatchbacks

Checking a Kia Ceed before you buy?

first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%): 32.7%; first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
fails than cars of the same age and mileage: 16% more; fails than cars of the same age and mileage
MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024: 380,075; MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
typical miles a year, from MOT readings: 8,800; typical miles a year, from MOT readings

What this means for buyers

The Kia Ceed is a below-average buy on MOT results. Its first-time fail rate is 32.7%, against 28.4% for all cars, and it has 16% more MOT fails than cars of the same age and mileage. It ranks 45 of 65 family hatchbacks. Steering is the weak spot, with 175% more fails there than comparable cars. The 2011 model year is the weakest, with 31% more fails than cars of the same age and mileage, while 2015 is about average.

A good Ceed can still be a sound buy if you check the right things. Focus on the parts that fail most often. Look closely at the steering and the track rod ends, and check for a worn ball joint. Test every light, especially the position lamps and stop lamps. Check the tyre tread too, as anything below 1.6mm fails.

MOT fail rate by age

How the Kia Ceed ages

Each point is the share of Kia Ceeds of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.

Kia CeedAll cars

Kia Ceed first-time MOT fail rate by age
Age at MOT (years)	Kia Ceed	All cars
3	14.7%	12.3%
4	15.9%	14.1%
5	18%	16.4%
6	19.7%	19.1%
7	24.1%	22.1%
8	28.6%	25.5%
9	34.2%	28.8%
10	39.5%	31.8%
11	43.9%	34.6%
12	46.8%	37.3%
13	48%	39.5%
14	49.3%	41.1%
15	50.4%	42.3%
16	52.1%	42.9%
17	50.8%	43.4%

By year

The best and worst Kia Ceed years

2015 cars come out best and 2011 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.

Kia Ceed MOT results by year of first registration
First registered	Tests	Fail rate	Against same-age cars	Typical mileage
2021 Ceed	1,243	15.3%	15% more fails	32,871
2020 Ceed	6,338	15.8%	19% more fails	31,295
2019 Ceed	24,317	15.8%	10% more fails	35,763
2018 Ceed	33,422	16.1%	2% more fails	40,367
2017 Ceed	28,824	19%	4% more fails	49,175
2016 Ceed	31,903	21.8%	3% more fails	56,675
2015 Ceed	37,164	24.6%	1% more fails	63,843
2014 Ceed	36,782	31.5%	14% more fails	71,012
2013 Ceed	36,802	36.9%	18% more fails	82,703
2012 Ceed	38,732	42.7%	25% more fails	89,097
2011 Ceed	24,079	47.9%	31% more fails	94,170
2010 Ceed	28,479	47.2%	23% more fails	94,678
2009 Ceed	25,296	47.7%	20% more fails	94,534
2008 Ceed	17,382	49.8%	19% more fails	101,336
2007 Ceed	9,309	51.3%	20% more fails	103,874

Common problems

What fails most on a Kia Ceed

Its weak spot is steering: 175% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.

Fail rate by area

Lights and electrics13.8%28% above avg
Brakes9.7%54% above avg
Suspension8.8%0% above avg
Tyres7.7%17% above avg
Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6%35% above avg
Steering4.9%175% above avg
Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.8%38% below avg
Body, chassis and structure1.8%39% below avg
Seat belts and airbags0.4%56% below avg

Average for cars of the same age and mileage

Top MOT failures

1
Position lamp not working 3.43% of tests
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
2
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 3.31% of tests
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
3
Stop lamp not working 2.83% of tests
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
4
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.74% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
5
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.34% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
6
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 2.33% of tests
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
7
Dipped beam headlamp not working 2.32% of tests
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.
8
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 2.1% of tests
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.

Most common advisories

Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Kia Ceed's MOT certificate most often.

Tyre worn close to legal limit16.05%
Brake disc pitted or scored10.41%
Brake pads wearing thin9.1%
Tyre slightly damaged or cracking8.16%
Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear7.66%
Coil spring showing some corrosion3.25%

Before you buy

What to check on a used Kia Ceed

1
Position lamp not working
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
2
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
3
Stop lamp not working
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
4
Tyre tread below 1.6mm
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
5
Every MOT since new
Look for the faults above coming back year after year: it shows how the car has been looked after.
6
The mileage record
A typical Kia Ceed covers about 8,800 miles a year. A big gap or a drop between MOTs is a warning sign.
7
Finance, stolen and write-off
The records the MOT can't show. A Full Check (£9.99) covers all three before you hand over any money.

Fuel types tested

Diesel62.7%
Petrol37.1%
Hybrid0.2%
Electric0%

Most common colours

Silver, Black, White, Red, Blue

Average engine size: 1.5 litres.

Compare

How the Kia Ceed compares with its rivals

Kia Ceed against similar models
Model	Fail rate	Against same-age cars
BMW 2 Series	14.3%	20% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Mazda 3	31.9%	8% more MOT fails than the average car its age
Volvo V40	25.9%	10% more MOT fails than the average car its age
Kia Ceed	32.7%	16% more MOT fails than the average car its age
Peugeot 308	35.2%	18% more MOT fails than the average car its age
Hyundai i30	34%	20% more MOT fails than the average car its age
Renault Megane	45.1%	30% more MOT fails than the average car its age

Every family hatchback ranked in the family hatchback reliability index, or all Kia models.

Questions

Kia Ceed questions, answered

Is the Kia Ceed reliable?

On MOT results, the Kia Ceed is below average: it fails 32.7% of first MOT tests, 16% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 45 of 65 family hatchback models in our index.

What fails most on a Kia Ceed MOT?

The most common MOT failures on the Kia Ceed are position lamp not working (3.43% of tests), track rod end ball joint excessively worn (3.31% of tests), stop lamp not working (2.83% of tests). By area, lights and electrics fails 13.8% of its tests.

Which Kia Ceed year is the most reliable?

Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2015 cars do best (about average for its age) and 2011 cars do worst (31% more MOT fails than the average car its age).

How many miles does a Kia Ceed do a year?

A typical Kia Ceed covers about 8,800 miles a year, from the mileage recorded at its MOTs. Check the car you're looking at against that with a free mileage check.

How do I check a Kia Ceed before I buy it?

Enter its registration for a free check of its MOT history, mileage, ULEZ status and tax. Before you pay, a Full Check (£9.99) shows outstanding finance, stolen and write-off records.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 vehicles aged 3 to 25, normal tests only. How we compare like with like: our methodology.

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