Small SUV · 2019–2021 cars
Kia XCeed reliability
The Kia XCeed fails 12.4% of first MOT tests, 3% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 12,800 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Kia XCeed before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 12.4%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 3% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 12,800
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 8,100
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
MOT fail rate by age
How the Kia XCeed ages
Each point is the share of Kia XCeeds of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Kia XCeed | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 12% | 12.3% |
| 4 | 13.5% | 14.1% |
By year
The best and worst Kia XCeed years
2019 cars come out best and 2020 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 XCeed | 1,830 | 11.8% | 1% more fails | 24,545 |
| 2020 XCeed | 8,940 | 12.8% | 6% more fails | 26,890 |
| 2019 XCeed | 2,030 | 11.5% | 8% fewer fails | 27,593 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Kia XCeed
Its weak spot is windscreen, wipers and mirrors: 58% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Tyres5.1%18% above avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5%58% above avg
- Brakes1.4%26% below avg
- Lights and electrics1.1%59% below avg
- Suspension0.9%15% above avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.4%26% below avg
- Body, chassis and structure0.2%22% below avg
- Steering0%78% below avg
- Seat belts and airbags0%87% below avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 3.04% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 2
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.97% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 3
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 0.87% of tests
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
- 4
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 0.58% of tests
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
- 5
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 0.55% of tests
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
- 6
Tyre bulge from structural failure 0.52% of tests
A bulge means the tyre's structure has failed and it could burst suddenly, so it must be replaced at once.
- 7
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 0.41% of tests
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
- 8
Tyre ply or cords exposed 0.35% of tests
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Kia XCeed's MOT certificate most often.
- Tyre worn close to legal limit10.3%
- Brake disc pitted or scored5.19%
- Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear4.48%
- Brake pads wearing thin3.34%
- Brake discs showing some wear2.34%
- Tyre slightly damaged or cracking2.15%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Kia XCeed
- 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
Tyre tread below 1.6mm
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 3
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
- 4
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
- 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 XCeed covers about 8,100 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
- Petrol75.4%
- Diesel14.3%
- Hybrid5.6%
- Other4.6%
Most common colours
Black, Silver, Grey, White, Yellow
Average engine size: 1.3 litres.
Compare
How the Kia XCeed compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lexus UX | 5.8% | 53% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Toyota Urban Cruiser | 28.1% | 24% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Mazda CX-30 | 8.8% | 23% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Subaru XV | 17.8% | 13% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Skoda Kamiq | 10.7% | 7% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Kia XCeed | 12.4% | 3% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| SsangYong Tivoli | 26.6% | 53% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every small suv ranked in the small suv reliability index, or all Kia models.
Questions
Kia XCeed questions, answered
Is the Kia XCeed reliable?
On MOT results, the Kia XCeed is about average: it fails 12.4% of first MOT tests, 3% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 25 of 40 small suv models in our index.
What fails most on a Kia XCeed MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Kia XCeed are wiper blade not clearing windscreen (3.04% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (1.97% of tests), tyre cut reaching ply or cords (0.87% of tests). By area, tyres fails 5.1% of its tests.
Which Kia XCeed year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2019 cars do best (8% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2020 cars do worst (6% more MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a Kia XCeed do a year?
A typical Kia XCeed covers about 8,100 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 XCeed 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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