Small car · 2001–2021 cars

Kia Rio reliability

The Kia Rio fails 30.9% of first MOT tests, 17% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 314,749 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.

Below averageReliability score 35/100#29 of 63 small cars

Checking a Kia Rio before you buy?

first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%): 30.9%; first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
fails than cars of the same age and mileage: 17% more; fails than cars of the same age and mileage
MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024: 314,749; MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
typical miles a year, from MOT readings: 7,000; typical miles a year, from MOT readings

What this means for buyers

The Kia Rio has a first-time MOT fail rate of 30.9%, against 28.4% for all cars. Across 314,749 MOT tests from 2022 to 2024, it has 17% more MOT fails than cars of the same age and mileage. Steering is its weakest area, with 178% more fails than cars of the same age and mileage. 2004 models are the weakest year, with 34% more fails than cars of the same age and mileage, while 2017 is about average.

A Rio can still be a good buy if you check the right things. Look hardest at steering, where worn track rod end ball joints appear in 2.94% of tests. Before you buy, check the wipers clear the windscreen, the position lamps work, the tyre tread is above 1.6mm, and the track rod ends are not worn.

MOT fail rate by age

How the Kia Rio ages

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

Kia RioAll cars

Kia Rio first-time MOT fail rate by age
Age at MOT (years)	Kia Rio	All cars
3	11.4%	12.3%
4	14.5%	14.1%
5	16%	16.4%
6	18%	19.1%
7	22.6%	22.1%
8	26.9%	25.5%
9	32.6%	28.8%
10	37.8%	31.8%
11	40.4%	34.6%
12	43%	37.3%
13	45.4%	39.5%
14	45.8%	41.1%
15	49%	42.3%
16	50.4%	42.9%
17	51.1%	43.4%
18	49.9%	43.5%
19	48.8%	43.4%
20	54.7%	42.8%
21	46.6%	41.4%

By year

The best and worst Kia Rio years

2017 cars come out best and 2004 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.

Kia Rio MOT results by year of first registration
First registered	Tests	Fail rate	Against same-age cars	Typical mileage
2021 Rio	1,147	10.5%	1% more fails	19,207
2020 Rio	4,934	12.9%	16% more fails	22,683
2019 Rio	11,583	13.3%	9% more fails	25,518
2018 Rio	18,516	14.2%	3% more fails	30,658
2017 Rio	26,557	16.4%	1% fewer fails	39,027
2016 Rio	29,425	20.6%	10% more fails	43,308
2015 Rio	37,855	22.4%	2% more fails	50,861
2014 Rio	36,930	30.8%	19% more fails	60,645
2013 Rio	33,498	36.7%	25% more fails	68,540
2012 Rio	30,534	38.8%	19% more fails	76,862
2011 Rio	23,674	43.7%	29% more fails	74,823
2010 Rio	21,562	43.8%	21% more fails	78,866
2009 Rio	17,440	44.7%	20% more fails	78,064
2008 Rio	7,765	49.4%	24% more fails	86,416
2007 Rio	4,725	49%	20% more fails	88,261
2006 Rio	3,851	49.3%	19% more fails	88,067
2005 Rio	2,200	49.4%	23% more fails	79,714
2004 Rio	1,292	51.4%	34% more fails	66,662
2003	762	51.4%	35% more fails	65,604
2002	399	46.6%	26% more fails	63,814

Common problems

What fails most on a Kia Rio

Its weak spot is steering: 178% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.

Fail rate by area

Lights and electrics11%12% above avg
Suspension8.4%4% above avg
Brakes8.2%43% above avg
Tyres7%18% above avg
Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.5%52% above avg
Steering4.4%178% above avg
Exhaust, emissions and leaks2.2%10% below avg
Body, chassis and structure2%25% below avg
Seat belts and airbags1.2%68% above avg

Average for cars of the same age and mileage

Top MOT failures

1
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 3.08% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
2
Position lamp not working 2.94% of tests
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
3
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 2.94% of tests
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
4
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.78% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
5
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 2% of tests
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
6
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 1.95% of tests
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
7
Ball joint dust cover no longer sealed 1.94% of tests
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the joint, speeding wear, so the joint may need replacing later.
8
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 1.67% of tests
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.

Most common advisories

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

Tyre worn close to legal limit15.1%
Brake disc pitted or scored9.57%
Tyre slightly damaged or cracking9.12%
Brake pads wearing thin7.22%
Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear4.92%
Brake pipes corroded and greasy3.87%

Before you buy

What to check on a used Kia Rio

1
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
2
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.
3
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.
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 Rio covers about 7,000 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

Petrol77.4%
Diesel22.3%
Hybrid0.2%
LPG0%

Most common colours

White, Black, Red, Silver, Blue

Average engine size: 1.3 litres.

Compare

How the Kia Rio compares with its rivals

Kia Rio against similar models
Model	Fail rate	Against same-age cars
Hyundai i20	27%	10% more MOT fails than the average car its age
Mazda 2	30.8%	11% more MOT fails than the average car its age
Kia Rio	30.9%	17% more MOT fails than the average car its age
Fiat Punto	44.5%	24% more MOT fails than the average car its age
Peugeot 207	49%	31% more MOT fails than the average car its age
Citroën DS3	46%	51% more MOT fails than the average car its age
Dacia Sandero	30.8%	62% more MOT fails than the average car its age

Every small car ranked in the small car reliability index, or all Kia models.

Questions

Kia Rio questions, answered

Is the Kia Rio reliable?

On MOT results, the Kia Rio is below average: it fails 30.9% of first MOT tests, 17% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 29 of 63 small car models in our index.

What fails most on a Kia Rio MOT?

The most common MOT failures on the Kia Rio are wiper blade not clearing windscreen (3.08% of tests), position lamp not working (2.94% of tests), track rod end ball joint excessively worn (2.94% of tests). By area, lights and electrics fails 11% of its tests.

Which Kia Rio year is the most reliable?

Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2017 cars do best (about average for its age) and 2004 cars do worst (34% more MOT fails than the average car its age).

How many miles does a Kia Rio do a year?

A typical Kia Rio covers about 7,000 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 Rio 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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