2012 Kia Rio · 30,534 MOT tests
2012 Kia Rio reliability
2012 Kia Rios fail 38.8% of first MOT tests, 19% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 9 of 18 Rio years (30,534 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 2012 Kia Rio?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all Kia Rios: 30.9%)
- 38.8%
- first-time fail rate (all Kia Rios: 30.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 19% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 76,862
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 30,534
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: 29% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does better)
- 2013 cars: 25% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does better)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 3.5% of tests fail here (320% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 46% 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 Rio
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics15%
- Suspension13.4%
- Brakes11.2%
- Tyres7.4%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors7%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks4.6%
- Seat belts and airbags3.5%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Ball joint dust cover no longer sealed 4.29%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the joint, speeding wear, so the joint may need replacing later.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 3.56%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 3.22%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 3.2%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Position lamp not working 2.99%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 2.8%
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (15.68%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (12.33%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (8.41%) · Brake pads wearing thin (7.22%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (4.84%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (4.05%)
Other years
Every Kia Rio year
The full picture: Kia Rio reliability. Before you pay for any Kia Rio, 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 Rio reliable?
2012 Kia Rios fail 38.8% of first MOT tests, 19% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 9 of 18 Rio years (30,534 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 Kia Rio MOT?
Most often ball joint dust cover no longer sealed (4.29% of tests), suspension ball joint excessively worn (3.56% of tests), parking brake efficiency below minimum (3.22% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 Kia Rio have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 Kia Rio shows 76,862 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).
Check a 2012 Kia Rio free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.