2012 Kia Optima · 2,535 MOT tests
2012 Kia Optima reliability
2012 Kia Optimas fail 38.1% of first MOT tests, 9% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 8 of 8 Optima years (2,535 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Kia Optimas: 19.8%)
- 38.1%
- first-time fail rate (all Kia Optimas: 19.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 9% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 92,527
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 2,535
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2013 cars: 7% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- Weak spot: steering, 10.1% of tests fail here (280% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 75% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2012 car carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Common problems
What fails on a 2012 Kia Optima
Fail rate by area
- Brakes18.5%
- Suspension11.7%
- Steering10.1%
- Lights and electrics9.9%
- Tyres7%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.7%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.5%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 5.25%
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 3.87%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Service brake excessively binding 3.51%
A brake that drags when released can overheat, wear quickly and waste fuel, so it needs prompt inspection.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 3.27%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 3.04%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.25%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (15.19%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (8.17%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (7.81%) · Brake pads wearing thin (7.22%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (6.19%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (5.17%)
Is a 2012 Kia Optima reliable?
2012 Kia Optimas fail 38.1% of first MOT tests, 9% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 8 of 8 Optima years (2,535 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 Kia Optima MOT?
Most often track rod end ball joint excessively worn (5.25% of tests), parking brake efficiency below minimum (3.87% of tests), service brake excessively binding (3.51% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 Kia Optima have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 Kia Optima shows 92,527 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2012 car?
A car first registered in 2012 carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
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