Used car guide

2006 Chevrolet Kalos: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2006 Chevrolet Kaloss, from 414 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 414 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

414MOT tests in 2025
48%pass first time (all 2006 cars: 57%)
3,400typical miles a year
2.9×the usual rate for braking performance

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2006 Chevrolet Kaloss than on all cars registered in 2006.

  • Braking performance2.9× usual
    Chevrolet Kalos
    19.3% All 2006 cars
    6.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 9.4%, against 2.6% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

  • Suspension arm bushes and joints2.1× usual
    Chevrolet Kalos
    23.7% All 2006 cars
    11.1%

    Failed outright at MOT: 8%, against 2.3% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

  • Engine oil leaks1.8× usual
    Chevrolet Kalos
    24.9% All 2006 cars
    13.7%

    Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.3% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

  • Rust around suspension or steering mountings2× usual
    Chevrolet Kalos
    11.1% All 2006 cars
    5.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 6.8%, against 2.6% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

By area

The share of 2006 Chevrolet Kalos MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    63% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Lights and electrics
    45% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Tyres
    43% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Brakes
    43% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    26% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

  • Rust and bodywork
    14% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

    At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Looking at a Chevrolet Kalos?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2008481Suspension 60%
2007662Suspension 57%
2005312Suspension 57%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2006 Chevrolet Kaloss registered in 2006. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score