Used car guide

2004 Daewoo Kalos: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2004 Daewoo Kaloss, from 222 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 222 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

222MOT tests in 2025
50%pass first time (all 2004 cars: 58%)
3,000typical miles a year
2.5×the usual rate for rust around suspension or steering mountings

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2004 Daewoo Kaloss than on all cars registered in 2004.

  • Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.5× usual
    Daewoo Kalos
    16.7% All 2004 cars
    6.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 11.7%, against 3% of all 2004 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 2004 Daewoo Kalos MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    59% 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
    43% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Brakes
    32% 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.

  • Tyres
    29% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    25% 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
    13% 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.

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2003125Suspension 62%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2004 Daewoo Kaloss registered in 2004. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score