2018 Kia Optima · 9,537 MOT tests
2018 Kia Optima reliability
2018 Kia Optimas fail 16.1% of first MOT tests, 11% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 8 Optima years (9,537 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Kia Optimas: 19.8%)
- 16.1%
- first-time fail rate (all Kia Optimas: 19.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 11% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 5
- 54,621
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 5
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 9,537
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2018 against the years either side
- 2017 cars: 17% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2018 car does worse)
- 2019 cars: about average for its age (the 2018 car does better)
- Weak spot: brakes, 5.3% of tests fail here (46% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 48% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2018 car carries a 67 plate (January–February 2018), or a 18 plate (March–August 2018), or a 68 plate (September–December 2018).
Common problems
What fails on a 2018 Kia Optima
Fail rate by area
- Tyres6.2%
- Brakes5.3%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.8%
- Lights and electrics2.7%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.9%
- Number plates and VIN0.3%
- Seat belts and airbags0.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 3.1%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.62%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.21%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.25%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.25%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Headlamp aim set too high 0.92%
Headlamps aimed too high can dazzle other drivers, and adjusting them is usually a quick job.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (16.03%) · Brake pads wearing thin (11.86%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (5.58%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (5.03%) · Child seat limits belt inspection (2.97%) · Brake discs showing some wear (2.29%)
Is a 2018 Kia Optima reliable?
2018 Kia Optimas fail 16.1% of first MOT tests, 11% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 8 Optima years (9,537 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2018 Kia Optima MOT?
Most often brake pads worn below 1.5mm (3.1% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (2.62% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.21% of tests).
How many miles should a 2018 Kia Optima have done?
At its MOT aged about 5, a typical 2018 Kia Optima shows 54,621 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2018 car?
A car first registered in 2018 carries a 67 plate (January–February 2018), or a 18 plate (March–August 2018), or a 68 plate (September–December 2018).
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