2004 Kia Rio · 1,292 MOT tests
2004 Kia Rio reliability
2004 Kia Rios fail 51.4% of first MOT tests, 34% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 18 of 18 Rio years (1,292 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Kia Rios: 30.9%)
- 51.4%
- first-time fail rate (all Kia Rios: 30.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 34% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- 66,662
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,292
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2004 against the years either side
- 2003 cars: 35% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does better)
- 2005 cars: 23% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does worse)
- Weak spot: body, chassis and structure, 17.8% of tests fail here (149% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 60% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2004 car carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
Common problems
What fails on a 2004 Kia Rio
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics22.7%
- Suspension20.7%
- Body, chassis and structure17.8%
- Brakes15.1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors11.1%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks10.8%
- Tyres10.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
CV joint boot split or insecure 9.13%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 6.58%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Position lamp not working 5.73%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 5.57%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 5.34%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Wheel bearing excessively rough 5.11%
A rough or noisy bearing is wearing out and may fail, so it should be inspected and replaced before it worsens.
Common advisories
Engine oil leak, not excessive (19.12%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (17.88%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (15.09%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (14.94%) · Wheel bearing slight play (12.38%) · Suspension mounting area showing corrosion (5.73%)
Other years
Every Kia Rio year
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Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2004 Kia Rio reliable?
2004 Kia Rios fail 51.4% of first MOT tests, 34% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 18 of 18 Rio years (1,292 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2004 Kia Rio MOT?
Most often cv joint boot split or insecure (9.13% of tests), headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect (6.58% of tests), position lamp not working (5.73% of tests).
How many miles should a 2004 Kia Rio have done?
At its MOT aged about 18, a typical 2004 Kia Rio shows 66,662 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2004 car?
A car first registered in 2004 carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
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