2017 · 7 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2017 Kia Optima MOT pass rate and common faults

3,305 MOT tests in 2024. 80.8% passed first time, compared with 79.8% for all cars the same age.

101About average
Passed first time80.8%
Failed or needed repairs19.2%
Typical mileage at test72,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 3,305 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick4.0%
    159 marked dangerous
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.9%
    143 marked dangerous
  3. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.7%
    78 marked dangerous
  4. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.4%
  5. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.9%
  6. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault0.7%
  7. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.7%
  8. Headlamp aim: too high0.6%
  9. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn0.5%
  10. Washers: not working0.5%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Brakes9.3%
  2. Tyres8.2%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.4%
  4. Lights & electrics2.8%
  5. Emissions & leaks1.0%
  6. Suspension0.8%
  7. Steering0.8%
  8. Body & chassis0.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm20.3%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick13.2%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened10.5%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure6.4%
  5. Non-component advisories: Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt3.5%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2016 OptimaAll Optima years2018 Optima →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2017 Kia Optima?

In 2024, 80.8% of 2017 Kia Optima cars passed their MOT first time, across 3,305 tests. The average for all 7-year-old cars was 79.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2017 Kia Optima?

The most common failure reasons were brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2017 Kia Optima reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 101, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).