2021 · 3 years old at test · Electric mostly

2021 Kia Soul MOT pass rate and common faults

1,116 MOT tests in 2024. 90.0% passed first time, compared with 87.6% for all cars the same age.

103Above average
Passed first time90.0%
Failed or needed repairs10.0%
Typical mileage at test23,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,116 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords3.0%
  2. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.0%
  3. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.8%
    27 marked dangerous
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.0%
    23 marked dangerous
  5. Headlamp aim: too high0.6%
  6. Headlamp aim: too low0.4%
  7. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt0.3%
  8. Rear fog lamp: not working0.3%
  9. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.2%
    2 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres7.3%
  2. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.1%
  3. Lights & electrics1.8%
  4. Brakes0.7%
  5. Steering0.3%
  6. Seat belts & airbags0.3%
  7. Suspension0.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm13.7%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure6.2%
  3. Tread depth: tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm2.9%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.4%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened2.3%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2020 SoulAll Soul years

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2021 Kia Soul?

In 2024, 90.0% of 2021 Kia Soul cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,116 tests. The average for all 3-year-old cars was 87.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2021 Kia Soul?

The most common failure reasons were tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2021 Kia Soul reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 103, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).