2012 Kia Picanto · 43,251 MOT tests
2012 Kia Picanto reliability
2012 Kia Picantos fail 36.6% of first MOT tests, 28% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 11 of 18 Picanto years (43,251 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Kia Picantos: 29.3%)
- 36.6%
- first-time fail rate (all Kia Picantos: 29.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 28% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 57,240
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 43,251
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: 34% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does better)
- 2013 cars: 29% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does better)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 1.9% of tests fail here (199% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 29% 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 Picanto
Fail rate by area
- Brakes14.1%
- Lights and electrics12.1%
- Suspension11%
- Tyres7.2%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.1%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks5%
- Body, chassis and structure2%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 6.09%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 4.42%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 3.47%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Parking brake inoperative on one side 3.31%
The parking brake does not work on one side, so the car may not hold on a slope and needs repair.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.94%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.88%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (14.77%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (13.53%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (9.72%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (9.31%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.72%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (5.24%)
Other years
Every Kia Picanto year
The full picture: Kia Picanto reliability. Before you pay for any Kia Picanto, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2012 Kia Picanto reliable?
2012 Kia Picantos fail 36.6% of first MOT tests, 28% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 11 of 18 Picanto years (43,251 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 Kia Picanto MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (6.09% of tests), parking brake efficiency below minimum (4.42% of tests), suspension ball joint excessively worn (3.47% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 Kia Picanto have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 Kia Picanto shows 57,240 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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