2021 Kia Niro Connect HEV S-A: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2021 Kia Niro Connect HEV S-As, from 358 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 358 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What gets flagged at MOT
The share of 2021 Kia Niro Connect HEV S-A MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres27% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors8% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Brakes7% 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.
- Suspension2% 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.
- Seats and seatbelts2% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
- Lights and electrics1% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
Known faults
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- Flat 12-volt batteryAll versions
The small 12-volt battery can be drained by the fuel pump, audio system, boot light or door locks.
At the viewing: Ask whether it has ever failed to start after standing.
- Weak halogen headlightsCars with halogen lights
The halogen headlights are a common complaint for being dim.
At the viewing: Check the lights on dipped and main beam.
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Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2021 Kia Niro Connect HEV S-As registered in 2021. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score